When I was a young miner in the high San Juan
I had a favorite place; now it's gone.
An old oak bar, some tables, nothing fancy.
A little space for folks who felt dance-y.
Everyone there had an interesting story
Of a previous life or a search for glory.
Mostly young folks just starting a life
And refugees from modern strife.
Some a little crazy from too much thinking,
A few burned out from too much drinking.
But all that got forgot or put away
When they had a band on Saturday.
The music wasn't great, we didn't care,
We were buzzed on mountain air.
All the girls got prettied up and nicely dressed
The men got washed and did their best
To become some sweet thing’s Mr. Right
Maybe for forever, or at least tonight.
I fell in love there a time or two
Had the thrill of love fresh and new.
Each love ended, no one to blame
I still see every face, know every name.
Life was good, we had nothing to fear
So we had a laugh and drank some beer.
Those times are gone and that’s all right
But if I could go back, I just might.
You could be just whoever you are
When you stepped into the San Juan Bar.
Kevin O'Connor
Durango
