Love At The Five & Dime
Kathy Mattea Lyrics

Rita was sixteen years, hazel eyes and chestnut hair
At the age of sixteen, Rita had beautiful hazel eyes and chestnut hair that really stood out as she worked hard to bring out the best in the Woolworth counter.

She really made the Woolworth counter shine
Rita was very hardworking and dedicated, going above and beyond her duties to make the Woolworth counter stand out.

Eddie was a sweet romancer, and a darn good dancer
Eddie had a way with words and was very romantic, and a great dancer as well.

They'd waltz the aisles of the five and dime
As a couple, Eddie and Rita would dance up and down the aisles of the five and dime, showing their love for each other in such a sweet way.

Eddie played the steel guitar, and his mama cried 'cause he played in the bars
Eddie had a passion for music and played the steel guitar, but his mother wasn't supportive of his career choice, as he had to play in bars where she thought it could be harmful to his well-being.

And kept young Rita out late at night
As a musician, Eddie would have to play gigs that lasted late into the night, which meant that Rita couldn't be home early and would have to stay out late as well, something that worried his mother.

So they married up in Abilene, lost a child in Tennessee
Despite the challenges they faced due to Eddie's music career and losing a child in Tennessee, Eddie and Rita got married, making a lifelong commitment to each other.

Still that love survived, 'cause they'd sing
Through thick and thin, Eddie and Rita's love always remained strong because of their shared passion for music and singing together.

Dance a little closer to me, dance a little closer now
The chorus of the song reflects Eddie and Rita's desire to be closer to each other physically and emotionally, to share their love and passion.

One of the boys in Eddie's band took a shine to Rita's hands
One of Eddie's bandmates started to show a romantic interest in Rita's hands, something that made Eddie concerned and even jealous.

So Eddie ran off with the bass man's wife
In a surprising turn of events, Eddie left Rita to be with the bass player's wife, hurting Rita deeply in the process.

Oh, but he was back by June, singin' a different tune
After some time, Eddie came back to Rita, realizing his mistake and singing a different tune - one of love and dedication to her only.

And sportin' miss Rita back by his side
Eddie was again with Rita, supporting her and standing by her side, while showing her the love and respect she deserved.

Eddie traveled with the barroom bands till arthritis took his hands
Although Eddie continued to play music and tour with bands, unfortunately, he was forced to quit due to arthritis in his hands, a harsh reality for a musician such as him.

Now he sells insurance on the side
To make ends meet, Eddie had to find a new career path, and ended up selling insurance on the side to support himself and Rita.

Rita's got a house to keep, dimestore novels and a love so sweet
Rita remained a homemaker, taking care of the house and spending her free time reading dimestore novels, while still enjoying the love and passion she had with Eddie.

They dance to the radio late at night
Late at night, Eddie and Rita spend their time together dancing to the radio and enjoying the simple pleasures of life that they always had, making each other happy.

And they sing
Just like they used to, Eddie and Rita still sing together, enjoying and sharing their love in a way that will always keep them close, even when everything else changes around them.