Van Dyke Parks
Christmas in Southgate
[Verse 1]
Well, you got no credit and I've got no cash
Now that bonus they give us were nothing but trash
You been laid off at Goodyear, I been laid off at Hughes
It looks like a bad year, there just ain't no use

[Chorus]
'Cause it's Christmas in Southgate, you been a true friend
I ain't never been much of a churchgoing man
But I'd even give up drinkin' whiskey and gin
If Jesus and Santa Claus ever get back down to Southgate again

[Verse 2]
Well, the telephone rang and it jumped off the wall
Says, "We're sorry, Buddy, but we can't place your call
'Cause Jesus don't answer, Santa ain't got back yet"
What's a poor old Red Cat got a right to expect?

[Verse 3]
So I called up my banker to ask for a loan
Said, "It's Christmas Eve, Buddy, there ain't no one home"
Then I called up my preacher and he said, "We're through"
What the heck is a poor old Red Cat gonna do?

[Verse 4]
Now I'd work any job just to clear a day's pay
Except for being President of the old USA
Now that's dirty work, Lefty, no future, it's true
I'd rather drink up my last nickel with you
[Chorus]
Well it's Christmas in Southgate, you been a true friend
I ain't never been much of a churchgoing man
But I'd even give up drinkin' whiskey and gin
If Jesus and Santa Claus ever come back down to Southgate again