verse 1. A rusting tractor, on the hill, the fence post with the posted bill That said the sale was on until everything was sold. Bone and silver napkin rings, elastic bands ’round spoons and things, Tiny fingers held the strings of that fiddle in the case. The auctioneer comes here today, privacy is on display, The highest bidder takes away, but they can’t take it all. verse 2. Coffee pots we never used, silver frames a little bruised Around the portraits that amused us in the parlor and the hall. Fireglow with favorite songs, and laughter are the things among The memories, that still belong in those empty rooms. The auctioneer comes here today, privacy is on display, The highest bidder takes away, but they can’t take it all. verse 3. A jar of nails, a box of tacks, the dining chairs with wicker backs, Are in the garden, piled in stacks, being spotted by the rain, Remember when the lights were low, we had pies, balloons, and mistletoe. The morning sunlight on the snow, who will buy a broken sleigh? The auctioneer comes here today, privacy is on display, The highest bidder takes away, but they can’t take it all. verse 4. The auctioneer comes here today, cars line the street, black and grey, While children watch the odd display, and others touch the lots That are numbered with the coloured tags, books and clothing sold in bags, Bought for learning, bought for rags, and everything must go. The auctioneer comes here today, privacy is on display, The highest bidder takes away, but they can’t take it all.