A Song Not For Debbie
A humorous song performed for Steve Gillette's Songwriters' Workshop in Santa Cruz, CA, in 2011. It has about a 90-second introduction that offers some context for the song.
A Song Not for Debbie
Write me a song,” she said,
“I’ve never had that before.
I’d like to hear you sing my name;
You can call me Deborah.”
I said, “It’s not that easy.
You know there’s a whole lot more—
I’d have to know you better...”
She said, “Sure,
You can call me Deb for short.”
“Deb,” I said, “What can I do
To make you understand
That things have got to happen
To get me pen in hand!”
“Well, how is this,” she seemed to say,
And smiled a knowing wink.
“But if I wrote a song like that,
What would my lady think?”
I said this to myself, of course,
Not wanting to spoil the scene—
Thinking of a way to make the day,
And still to keep me clean.
“It’s true, you’re quite attractive,
And that’s what makes it hard...
And harder still just to ignore it
And stay in my own backyard.
“Oh, Deborah,
I’d like to write your song,
But if I did, I’m just afraid
That she might take it wrong.
Oh, Deborah, I guess this’ll have to do:
This is my song explaining why
I can’t write one for you!”
© 1975 Tim McMullen
All Rights Reserved