That picture hangin' on the wall 
Was painted by a friend 
He gave it to me all down and out 
When he owed me ten 
Now it doesn't look like much i guess 
But it's all that's left of him 
And it sure is nice from right over here 
When the light's a little dim 

Step inside my house babe 
I'll sing for you a song 
I'll tell you 'bout where i've been 
It shouldn't take too long 
I'll show you all the things i own 
My treasures you might say 
Couldn't be more'n ten dollars worth 
But they brighten up my day 

Here's a book of poems i got 
From a girl i used to know 
I guess i read it front to back 
Fifty times or so 
It's all about the good life 
And stayin' at ease with the world 
It's funny how i love that book 
And i never loved that girl 

Hold this piece of glass 
Up to the light comin' through the door 
It's a prism glass i found on the road 
Can you see that little rainbow 
Well it's not really a prism i guess 
It just broke in a funny way 
I found it on my way from texas 
Headed for l.a. 

This guitar was given me 
By old man thomas gray 
It's not too much to look at 
But i pick it every day 
It's been across the country 
Four or five times i guess 
Between me and old man tom 
It never got much rest 

Well that's about all i own 
And all i care to i guess 
Except this pair of boots 
And that funny yellow vest 
And that leather jacket and leather bag 
And hat hangin' on the wall 
Just so it's not too much to carry 
Could i see you again next fall 

Guy clark says "step inside this house" 
Is the first song he ever wrote; 
It had never been recorded. 
I learnt it from eric taylor. 
-- lyle (from the step inside this house cd booklet) 

Below are all the differences i could find 
Between guy clark's original lyrics 
And the way lyle sings the song. 
Lyle's changes are in italics. 

Step inside this house girl 
I'll sing for you a song 
I'll tell you 'bout just where i've been 
It shouldn't take too long 
I'll show you all the things that i own 
My treasures you might say 
Couldn't be more than ten dollars worth 
They brighten up my day 

This book of poems was given me 
By a girl i used to know 
I guess i read it front to back 
Fifty times or so 

Now you hold this piece of glass 
Up to the light that's shinin' through the door 
It's a prism glass i found it on the road 
Can't you see that tiny rainbow 
It's not really a prism i guess 
It just kinda broke a funny way 
I was on my way through houston 
And i was headed for l.a. 

This guitar was given me 
By old man thomas gray 
It's not too much to look at 
But i play it every day 

Well that's just about all i own 
And all i care to i guess 
Except this pair of boots maybe 
And that funny yellow vest 
And that leather jacket and that leather bag 
And that hat hangin' on the wall 
Just so it's not too much to carry babe 
Could i see you again next fall