[Verse 1]
The cold November wind bites at the pavement grey.
He's tied beside a trolley bay, and his owners went away.
His leash is wrapped around a pole, a cord of green and white,
And every passing stranger sees the sadness in his sight.
[Chorus]
He's not a toy, he's not a thing you leave and then forget.
Just a loyal, waiting soul and his eyes are getting wet.
He turns his head with every step, every sound of the automatic door,
A hopeful wag of the tail that falls to the ground and wags no more.
[Verse 2]
The sun begins to disappear, the fluorescent lights ignite.
The shoppers rush with paper bags, and bid the day goodnight.
But still he waits beside the pole, a sentinel in the dark,
A silent promise to a ghost, a question without a bark.
[Chorus]
He's not a toy, he's not a thing you leave and then forget.
Just a loyal, waiting soul and his eyes are getting wet.
He turns his head with every step, every sound of the automatic door,
A hopeful wag of the tail that falls to the ground and wags no more.
[Bridge]
I walk right past, I steal a glance, then hurry on my way.
The groceries in my hands feel heavy, and I have nothing left to say.
What kind of heart could leave a friend, without a word of why?
What kind of love could turn its back and never say goodbye?
[Chorus]
He's not a toy, he's not a thing you leave and then forget.
Just a loyal, waiting soul and his eyes are getting wet.
He turns his head with every step, every sound of the automatic door,
A hopeful wag of the tail that falls to the ground and wags no more.
[Outro]
The car door slams, the engine starts, and I drive off through the rain.
But in my mirror, one last time, I feel his silent pain.
Just a loyal, waiting soul...
...who's waiting for a love that may never come again.