We Never Used the Map

Ninety-five, the top-floor flat The window wouldn't close Two milk crates and your stereo And three of my best clothes You borrowed them for Friday Brought them back the following week Rachel, you were already Like a sister then to me

We had no idea what we were doing But we had somewhere to begin

We never used the map We just asked somebody where we were Missed the stop, missed the turn Found a better afternoon We could make a plan But it never quite worked out like that I'd get lost with you again We never used the map

We never used the map

That bus was meant to take us To the old part of the town An hour later, past the harbour There was nobody else around So we walked until the road stopped Ate our lunch above the sand You said, "This was my idea" With the guidebook in your hand

We never used the map We just asked somebody where we were Missed the stop, missed the turn Found a better afternoon We could make a plan But it never quite worked out like that I'd get lost with you again We never used the map

Then the jobs and kids and cities Put some miles between our doors We'd send messages at midnight "Can we catch up?" "Yes, of course" And when we finally met for coffee We would talk till they stacked chairs There were whole years to get through But we were always right back there

We never used the map Now you're fifty and the flights are booked I've got the tickets on my phone If you'd like to have a look We could make a plan But we both know how it goes with that I'd get lost with you again We never used the map

Rachel, pack the shoes you can walk in I'll meet you where we said Here's to all the places We haven't ended up in yet