Lyrics:

That picture hangin' on the wall

Was painted by a friend

He gave it to me all down and out

When he owed me ten

Now it doesn't look like much I guess

But it's all that's left of him

And it sure is nice from right over here

When the light's a little dim


Step inside my house babe

I'll sing for you a song

I'll tell you 'bout where I've been

It shouldn't take too long

I'll show you all the things I own

My treasures you might say

Couldn't be more'n ten dollars worth

But they brighten up my day


Here's a book of poems I got

From a girl I used to know

I guess I read it front to back

Fifty times or so

It's all about the good life

And stayin' at ease with the world

It's funny how I love that book

And I never loved that girl


Hold this piece of glass

Up to the light comin' through the door

It's a prism glass I found on the road

Can you see that little rainbow

Well it's not really a prism I guess

It just broke in a funny way

I found it on my way from texas

Headed for l.a.


This guitar was given me

By old man thomas gray

It's not too much to look at

But I pick it every day

It's been across the country

Four or five times I guess

Between me and old man tom

It never got much rest


Well that's about all I own

And all I care to I guess

Except this pair of boots

And that funny yellow vest

And that leather jacket and leather bag

And hat hangin' on the wall

Just so it's not too much to carry

Could I see you again next fall


© 1971 chappel & co. (ascap)


Guy clark says 'step inside this house'

Is the first song he ever wrote;

It had never been recorded.

I learnt it from eric taylor.

-- lyle (from the step inside this house cd booklet)


Below are all the differences I could find

Between guy clark's original lyrics

And the way lyle sings the song.

Lyle's changes are in italics.


Step inside this house girl

I'll sing for you a song

I'll tell you 'bout just where I've been

It shouldn't take too long

I'll show you all the things that I own

My treasures you might say

Couldn't be more than ten dollars worth

They brighten up my day


This book of poems was given me

By a girl I used to know

I guess I read it front to back

Fifty times or so


Now you hold this piece of glass

Up to the light that's shinin' through the door

It's a prism glass I found it on the road

Can't you see that tiny rainbow

It's not really a prism I guess

It just kinda broke a funny way

I was on my way through houston

And I was headed for l.a.


This guitar was given me

By old man thomas gray

It's not too much to look at

But I play it every day


Well that's just about all I own

And all I care to I guess

Except this pair of boots maybe

And that funny yellow vest

And that leather jacket and that leather bag

And that hat hangin' on the wall

Just so it's not too much to carry babe

Could I see you again next fall