Western Union Wire

From a cheap hotel in Dallas on a cold December day
A telegram was traveling on it's way
Like a sad old song from somewhere in the distance of a dream
Flashing 'cross the darkness on the telegraph machine

It said, "From Billy" at the bottom, "to baby" at the top
Western Union Wire, "please help me", stop
Western Union Wire, "don't leave me", stop

Well, the taxicab it took her to the airport in the dawn
She knew in just an hour she'd be gone
She was standing near the platform 'bout to board the big pan am
When someone came and put the lonely message in her hand

It said, "From billy," at the bottom, "to baby," at the top
Western Union Wire, "please help me", stop
Western Union Wire, "don't leave me", stop

Heading high above Chicago, just a-reaching for the skies
She found herself with teardrops in her eyes
And a little boy beside her asked her "Mama, where is pop?"
And she just broke down a-crying 'cause she knew she couldn't stop

It said, "From billy," at the bottom, "to baby," at the top
Western Union Wire, "don't leave me", stop
"Ah, you said you'd always love me, how could you?", stop
"In pieces on the runway, I love you", stop