Green is the Color of Surprise

They say that you're my daddy, and I know it's prob'ly true
my eyes are green the same as yours, but I'll never be like you
You've made this life a prison for mama and for me
but now I am escaping, and the truth will set me free

     now I'll take my coloring book to show the men in blue
     I'll tell them how the colors all help me remember you
     Oh red is for the blood you shed, and yellow for your lies
     but green, green, green -- green is the color of surprise

You were in the backseat of a car I'd often seen
taking orders from a man who paid in folding green
and I wrote down the license, and the date and time of day
I think the law can figure out just how you get your pay

All that money changing hands, you thought nobody knew
but I know lots of secret things -- I've made a case on you
You never once suspected, I can see it in your eyes
green, green, green -- green is the color of surprise

You only saw a little child, a swingin' on the gate
you didn't see the mind inside and now it's far too late
all your dirty deeds have been recorded by my eyes
no more can you cover up your crimes with all your lies

I know where the bones are buried and where the deals were done
and where you stash the money and where you hide your gun
and when they serve that warrent I'd like to see your eyes
green, green, green -- green is the color of surprise

c. 12/3/89, B. Riley