The Cape

Eight years old and a flour sack cape tied all around his neck

He climbed up on the garage; he's bigger than what the heck!

Screwed his courage up so tight the whole thing came unwound

He got a running start and bless his heart he headed for the ground.


He's one of those who knows that life is just a leap of faith
Spread your arms and hold your breath and always trust your cape

Now he's all grown up with a flour sack tied all around his dreams

He's full of piss and vinegar, he's busting at the seams

So he licked his finger and checked the wind – it's gonna be do or die

He wasn't scared of nothin', boys, he's pretty sure he could fly


He's one of those who knows that life is just a leap of faith
Spread your arms and hold your breath and always trust your cape

Now he's old and grey with a flour sack cape tied all around his head

And he's still jumpin' off the garage and will be 'til he's dead

All these years the people said he's acting like a kid

He did not know he could not fly – so he did!


He's one of those who knows that life is just a leap of faith
Spread your arms and hold your breath and always trust your cape

Spread your arms and hold your breath and always trust your cape

a song by Guy Clark