SteadyElm Music

Key: E 

Verse 1 
When I woke up this morning I saw dirty clothes piled high 
"Guess it's time to do the laundry," I said, and sighed a big sigh. 
"The odor of my dirty socks keeps everyone away. 
My friends will not come over, better get it done today!" 
Thought I'd ride the bus to get to the Laundromat 
But then I found that I had left my ticket at my flat. 
So today I will be walking with my load of dirty clothes 
And all the way I will be singing so every-body knows...

Refrain: 
Nothing today is going right! This laundry is bad news. 
Trying to get the colors bright, I got the laundry blues!

Verse 2 
It took me quite a while but I made it to the store 
When I finally got there my feet were pretty sore 
I looked for an empty seat, for a comfortable chair 
But the place was pretty packed; I couldn't find one anywhere. 
Leaning up against the wall I looked over the room 
For an empty washer; it was almost noon. 
Gotta to be home for supper; I don't wanna miss my date. 
Have to get this laundry done, I don't want to be late.

Verse 3 
"Hey, that machine looks finished; that's the one I'll pick" 
Rushed over to the washer, got there pretty quick 
But someone was already there, much to my dismay 
I'll have to find another one; this just ain't my day! 
I finally found a washer and piled in my stuff 
Added lots of soap, to be sure it was enough 
Gotta get those dirty clothes clean, they're such an ugly sight 
Lots and lots of powder will get the job done right 

Verse 4 
Couldn't get the washer started, the machine it would not go 
How many coins should I put in? It probably needs some mo' 
But I had no more quarters, had used up my last one 
I'd have to change some bills to get my laundry done 
Took my money to the counter, had to get more change 
The cashier was out of quarters and our speech was not the same 
So I hurried to the Seven-Eleven; they gave me quarters there 
Got three-- for my dollar, don't think that they were fairRefrain: 
Nothing today is going right! This laundry is bad news. 
Trying to get the colors bright, I got the laundry blues! 

Verse 5 
Back at the corner Laundromat a crowd had gathered 'round 
One of the washing machines was making a funny sound 
The floor was covered in suds and the manager couldn't wait 
To get his hands on who did this! The manager was irate. 
My socks and shorts were in there; there was nowhere I could hide 
Though terribly embarrassed I told the truth, I did not lie. 
Maybe I put too much soap into that washing machine 
Guess I might have overdone it; I just wanted to come clean. 

Verse 6 
They let me stay to dry my clothes; I put them in right away- 
Socks and shorts and other things with names I will not say. 
I watched them as they tumbled dry. Pretty soon they were done. 
Not much longer and I'd be on my way back home from whence I'd come 
As I folded very carefully my fresh, clean-scented clothes 
I pondered the very troubling truth that every launderer knows 
A number of socks were missing; they'd not be found, no way 
For the black hole in the dryer claimed half my socks that day 

Verse 7 
I said goodbye to the manager and left the Laundromat 
I whistled as I walked along and headed toward my flat 
The sun was shining brightly and the birds were singing too 
Nothing now could spoil this day, 'twas almost too good to be true 
Cruising' down the street was a beautiful Chevrolet 
A nineteen-fifty-seven, still as gorgeous as the day... 
The car had my attention, the puddle I did not see 
The Chevy drove straight through it, with mud it plastered me! 

End: 
"Guess it's time to do the laundry" I said and sighed a big sigh--- 
So now again I'm walking with my load of dirty clothes 
And all the way I'm singing so every-body knows... 
Nothing today is going right! This laundry is bad news. 
Trying to get the colors bright, I got the laundry blues! 

By Connie R. Smith. The input of the Tuesday drop-in crowd at Restoration House Outreach 
is gratefully acknowledged. 
Copyright 2001 Constance Smith

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