These days in an open book

Even in the academy, the books we write aren't the only chronicles of our lives. Herewith Nanci Griffith's variation on this theme:

Nanci Griffith, "These Days in an Open Book," on Flyer (1994)

Shut it down and call this road a day
And put this silence in my heart in a better place
I have traveled with your ghost now so many years
That I see you in the shadows
In hotel rooms and headlights
You're coming up beside me
Whether it's day or night

Chorus:
These days my life is an open book
Missing pages I cannot seem to find
These days your face
In my memory
Is in a folded hand of grace against these times

No one's ever come between your memory and me
I have driven this weary vessel here alone
Will you still find me if I leave you here beside this road
Because I need someone who can touch me
Who'll put no one above me
Someone who needs me
Like the air he breathes

Repeat chorus

I can't remember where this toll road goes
Maybe it's Fort Worth, maybe it's a heart of gold
The price of love is such a heavy toll
That I've lived my life in the backroads
With your love in my pocket
If I spend the love you gave me
Tell me where will it go?

Repeat chorus

These days your face
In my memory
Is in a folded hand of grace
Folded hand of grace
Folded hand of grace
Against these times