Descriptive lyrics and a memorable melody are used to "paint" a vivid picture of the singer's sorrow over a relationship gone bad.

At this kitchen table, baby
That we used to share
Shattered bits of porcelain
Are lyin’ everywhere
There’s an achin’ in my shoulder, baby
A weakness in my grip
But still I raise this broken cup
And take another sip

CHORUS: BLACK COFFEE IN THE MORNIN’
No sugar in that bowl
BLACK COFFEE IN THE MORNIN’
Leaves a bitter taste
In the back of my soul

I’m starin’ at these keys, baby
You threw at me in rage
One key starts the mercury
The other fits this cage
But there’s one key still missin’, baby
One we never found
Lost between that first kiss
And the last breakin’ sound


CHORUS

BRIDGE: Well when you’ve got no sense of direction
It’s so easy to lose your way
But there’s no time for regrettin’
‘Cause all we got, all we got is today

But they don’t make soap strong enough
To clean the mess I’ve made
And there’s too much room in that old bed
Where you and I once laid
You left behind your jacket, baby
It’s hangin’ from a nail
And you left here with all the signs
Of a prisoner jumpin’ bail

CHORUS