Story Behind The Song

immy in ?The Usual? is my grandfather. He?s a man who truly knows how to live and love ?right? - with warmth, honesty, and a sense of humor. He lost most of his hearing at an early age, so he speaks in a gritty shout - always with a sparkle in his eyes. I have so many warm memories of him at the Thanksgiving table sneaking in dirty jokes, or slipping his dentures deftly in an unsuspecting victim?s glass of soda. Despite his jokester?s soul, he?s one of the best role models I?ve ever had in being truly appreciative. The phrase to pass his lips most often is, ?Much obliged.?

Song Description

there's comfort in certainty.

Lyrics

THE USUAL
jimmy flagged the waitress and read the news
when she offered him the menu, he refused
tipped his hat, turned down his head
flipped the newspaper before he said

the usual that?s my choice
the usual it save my voice
no questions please, just the usual for me

ruth ann brought the bacon, the juice and the toast
tried to start a conversation, but jimmy said no
the weather?s the same, the kids are grown
you don?t want to know what i?ve been doing at home

the usual, you know what i mean
the usual, the same old scene
no headlines news, just the usual routine

paper and cigarette, coffee and a bagel
widower in an empty nest, dust on every table
christmas cards, the phone that never rings
dusty furnishings, the carols no one's singing

let?s settle up now, sweetie pie
jimmy grinned at ruthie with a twinkle in his eye
i've had more of the same but the same ain?t bad
i thank the lord above me for all the same that i've had

the usual, just like i said
the usual, the old kick in the head
no pity please, just the usual for me