Bridgton

Songwriters: R. Thomas / C. Deveau
Lyrics: R. Thomas

An hour inland
from Portland
across Sebago lake
through the narrows
at Naples
lies the town
of Bridgton Maine
in the shadow
of the White Mountains
where the forest
meets the shore
of Highland Lake's
clear waters
Jimmy Webber
was born

Now the story goes
that Jimmy
was never too good
in school
but he quarterbacked
the varsity
Jimmy was no fool
then he drew
a low number
in the draft
of '69
and served two tours
in the Vietnam
that forever changed
his life

When you cross the line
there's no going back
so keep your head on straight
and your heart on track
there's no going ‘round
a second time
so mister
you best think twice
before you cross the line

Jim acquired a habit
at the siege of Quang Tri
it helped him forget
the killing
it helped him
not to dream
but when he came home
in ‘71
the habit
came home too
and Jimmy
was just
the ghost
of a man
Bridgton
no longer knew

When you cross the line
there's no going back
so keep your head on straight
and your heart on track
there's no going ‘round
a second time
so mister
you best think twice
before you cross the line

It was late one Summer evening
the 4th of July
the fireworks
were over
and a full moon
lit the night
Jimmy was growing restless
he was in need of a score
when he walked
into old man Johnson's
Chevron along Route 4

Jim pulled out his weapon
it was a service ‘45
and said
“look here Mr. Johnson
you can come out of this alive
just empty out your register
do it nice and slow”
but the old man
just shook his head
and said
“I don't think so...
I know who you are son
I knew your daddy well
I heard you been in Vietnam
and I reckon that was hell
but if you want to take this money
you'll have to use that gun in your hand
I guess that's your decision son
You best make it
like a man”

When you cross the line
there's no going back
so keep your head on straight
and your heart on track
there's no going ‘round
a second time
so mister
you best think twice
before you cross the line