Lovelorn Lover

Lyrics: Robert Hunter
Music: Jim Lauderdale

There is some confusion over the title of this song. It is given as "Lovelorn Rover" on the Blue Moon Junction CD, and the lyrics refer to "lovelorn ancient rover" and "lovelorn rover". But the title is given as "Lovelorn Lover" on Jim Lauderdale's website and that title is picked up on several other websites as well as in the ASCAP listings for Robert Hunter. I think it must be a mistake.

Well did I say something wrong, did I say something wrong
Sometimes I contradict myself or come on much too strong
If you catch me mouthing off 'bout something I don't know
Just tap me on the shoulder, say, my friend, it's time to go

I'll thank you in the morning for the kindness that you give
I don't take well to warning, it's for friends like you I live
The kind ones who watch over, and quickly do forgive
A lovelorn ancient rover whose heart leaks like a sieve

Well did I say sorry for speaking out of turn
I've got a witness on the stand says I've been known to learn
Those who run for cover when I stumble through the door
Once they know me better, find me kindly to the core

They thank me in the morning for the way I watched their back
When without any warning they stood open to attack
We all learn to watch over our own imperfect crew
Any lovelorn rover lad would do the same for you

When the deck is cut and dealt, all cards on the table
Some of us do what we can, the rest do what we're able
What's the difference you may ask between one and the other
One is how you treat a friend, the other's how you treat a brother

I'll thank you in the morning for the kindness that you give
I don't take well to warning, it's for friends like you I live
The kind ones who watch over, and quickly do forgive
A lovelorn ancient rover whose heart leaks like a sieve

The kind ones who watch over, and quickly do forgive
A lovelorn ancient rover whose heart leaks like a sieve