Lee Beatty - The Devil Made the Small Town Lyrics

She stood, bent and broken, At the elevator door
She was deep in grief and sorrow, About the night before
Pure spitefulness and gossip, From people keeping score
Had made her the latest victim, Of her town's cold social war

The elevator opened, And she peered into the space
Where she saw a frail old man, A faint smile was on his face
She stepped into the lift, And stared straight ahead
Mulling over disappointments, All her "what ifs" and "insteads"

Some say

God made the country, And saw that it was good
And Man made the city, Just because he could
But the devil made the small town, Where he earned his livelihood
Turnin' angels into demons, And the decent to no-good

People just don't talk much, On an elevator ride
They check their watch and fumble, Keeping silent as they hide
So she wordlessly struggled, With her feelings dark and deep
Her so-called friends had failed her, Her trust they didn't keep

Just then the nice old fella, Turned and said a friendly "Hi"
His kindness struck a tender nerve, And she began to cry
The tears became a river, An awkward stream of woe
He gently cast his eyes to hers, And this is what he spoke

He said

God made the country, And saw that it was good
And Man made the city, Just because he could
But the devil made the small town, Where he earned his livelihood
Turnin' angels into demons, And the decent to no-good

The elevator opened, And the old man was gone
Then she saw the elevator, Was still on floor number one
She watched him walk away, As she tried to understand
Was that God or the Devil, Or just a wise and kindly man?

Who said

God made the country, And saw that it was good
And Man made the city, Just because he could
But the devil made the small town, Where he earned his livelihood
Turnin' angels into demons, And the decent to no-good

Turnin' angels into demons, And the decent to no-good