(Nanci Griffith)

Rita was sixteen years... hazel eyes and chestnut hair
She made the Woolworth counter shine
Eddie was a sweet romancer, and a darn good dancer
They'd waltz the aisles of the five and dime

[Chorus:]
They'd sing, "Dance a little closer to me... dance a little closer now
Dance a little closer tonight
Dance a little closer to me... it's closing time
And love's on sale tonight at this five and dime

Eddie played the steel guitar and his mama cried 'cuz he played in the bars
And kept young Rita out late at night
So, they married up in Abilene... lost a child in Tennessee
Still, that love survived

[Chorus]

One of the boys in Eddie's band... took a shine to Rita's hands
So, Eddie ran off with the bass man's wife
Oh' but he was back by June... singin' a different tune
And sportin' Miss Rita back by his side

[Chorus]

Eddie traveled with the barroom bands... till arthritis took his hands
Now he sells insurance on the side
Rita's got a house to keep... dime store novels and a love so sweet
They dance to the radio late at night

[Chorus]

[Repeat 1st verse]

They'd waltz the aisles of the five and dime
They'd waltz the aisles of the five and dime