The Birdwatchers The Hold Steady

[Verse 1]
He had a guide book and binoculars
He called himself a birdwatcher
But he knew that we were seeking out
Something beyond geese and grouse
Ravaged by our nagging doubts
The new age and the restless nights
We said we'd like to see the sites
He said he'd like to take us

[Verse 2]
We first made his acquaintance
Through a series of small payments
Wires and ACHs
Veering through the clearing house
We bought our tickеts through the touts
Before thе offers disappeared
Found our seats and sat between
The dilettantes and profiteers

[Chorus]
When we landed we were greeted by the salesmen
In the market where you exit from the station

[Verse 3]
We were initially suspicious
But we drank ourselves complicit
The next three days were skippers, man
Picking up the whispers
From the dealers and the drifters
Of a strongman with some soldiers and a suntan
Our guide said that the city
Was just a little jumpy
He took us to a party
And tried to introduce us
To a girl they called The Colonel
And a kid they called The Cardinal
Because I guess he was from Phoenix or St. Louis