Lee Beatty - Gasoline Lyrics

You did not belong there, There at the corner lot
Where Central crosses Main Street, The ideal service station spot
Where the gas pumps stood like soldiers, And the wash bay always rained
And the brick walls of the grease pit, Echoed sounds of passing trains

No you did not belong there, You belonged among your books
Not with greasy smoky cars, And drivers patronizing looks
Your place was in the classroom, Inside ivy-covered halls
Where you'd fill up on Wisdom , Your one true noble Cause

Gasoline, gasoline
It burns hard, it burns mean
You had to raise a family
So you burned away your dream
You gave it up to pump that gasoline

You could have been professor, In a tweed suit, cap and gown
But you taught me in your overalls, The best teacher ever found
I sat at the foot of Plato, Ate my meals with Henry James
You made me feel so special, I am proud to share your name

Gasoline, gasoline
It burns hard, it burns mean
You had to raise a family
So you burned away your dream
You gave it up to pump that gasoline

You could have written books, Or published poetry
But you never got the chance, Because of life's realities
So I won't forget your gift, Your gift that made me whole
The fierce desire to seek and reach, Flames brightly in my soul

Gasoline, gasoline
It burns bright, it burns clean
You taught me the joy of words
You sparked my restless dream
You showed me worlds you never got to see
You are my fire, you are my gasoline
You are my fire, you are, my gasoline