When it Rains - The Handsome Family

When it rains, the streets of Chicago

Shine like jewels, though it’s just broken glass

When the sun shines, dirty pigeons

Coo like doves in the dying trees

And the drunks going through the garbage

In the alley behind my house

Smile up at the falling buildings

So bittersweet, like crying clowns

And through the cars bouncing over potholes

Children weave on stolen bikes

Vacant lots are full of old men

Searching for 1925

And in the park, slowly, women

Tossing bread to their rabid dogs

Smile at the passing airplanes

As if the sky were full of snow-white swans

And the drunks going through the garbage

In the alley behind my house

Smile up at the falling buildings

So bittersweet, like crying clowns