Morrissey: the lyrics

Albums

Alphabetically listed

Viva Hate

Bona Drag

Kill Uncle

Your Arsenal

Vauxhall And I

Southpaw Grammar

Maladjusted

You Are The Quarry

"Suedehead"

"Everyday Is Like Sunday"

"The Last of the Famous International Playboys"

"Interesting Drug"

"Ouija Board, Ouija Board"

"November Spawned A Monster"

"Piccadilly Palare"

"Our Frank"

"Sing Your Life"

Viva hate

"Alsatian Cousin"

Were you and he Lovers?
and would you say so if you were?
on a forecourt
on a Friday
passing my way
Were you and he Lovers?
and if you were, then say that you were!
on a groundsheet
under canvas
with your tent-flap
open wide
A note upon his desk:
"P.S. Bring Me Home And Have Me!"
Leather elbows on a tweed coat
- Oh! -
Is THAT the best you can do?
So came his reply:
"...but on the desk is where I want you!"
So I ask (even though I know):
were you and he Lovers?
Back to Viva Hate
Back to Alphabet

"Little Man, What Now?"

An afternoon nostalgia
television show
you spoke in silhouette
(but they couldn't name you)
although the panel were
very polite to you
but I remembered you
from Friday nights 1969
ATV - you murdered every line
too old to be a child star
too young to take leads
four seasons passed
and they AXED you
nervously juvenile
(WON'T SMILE!)
What became of you?
did that swift eclipse torture you?
a star at eighteen
and then-suddenly gone
down to a few lines
in the back page of a teenage annual
oh but I remembered you
I looked up to you
Back to Viva Hate
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"Everyday Is Like Sunday"

Trudging slowly over wet sand
back to the bench
where your clothes were stolen
this is the coastal town
that they forgot to close down
Armageddon - come Armageddon!
Come Armageddon! Come!
Everyday is like Sunday
everyday is silent and grey
Hide on the promenade
scratch out a postcard
"how I dearly with I was not here"
in the seaside town
...that they forgot to bomb
Come! Come! Come - nuclear bomb!
Everyday is like Sunday
everyday is silent and grey
Trudging back over pebbles and sand
and a strange dust lands on your hands
(and on your face)
Everyday is like Sunday
"Win Yourself A Cheap Tray"
share some greased tea with me
everyday is silent and grey
Back to Viva Hate
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"Bengali in Platforms"

No no no
he does not want to depress you
oh no no no no no
he only wants to impress you
Bengali in platform
she only wants to embrace your culture
and to be your friend forever
Bengali, Bengali
oh shelve your Western plans
and understand that life is hard enough when you belong here
A silver-studded rim that glistens
and an ankle-star that...blinds me
a lemon sole so very high
which only reminds me, to tell you
so I break the news gently
I break the news to you gently
"Shelve your plans"
Bengali, Bengali
its the touchy march of time
that blinds you
don't blame me
don't hate me
just because I'm the one to tell you
that life is hard enough when you belong here
life is hard enough when you belong here
shelve your western plans
life is hard enough when you belong here
Back to Viva Hate
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"Angel, Angel, Down We Go Together"

Angel, Angel
don't take your life tonight
I know they take
and that they take in turn
and they give you nothing real
for yourself in return
and when they've used you
and they've broken you
and wasted all your money
and cast your shell aside
and when they've bought you
and they've sold you
and they've billed you for the pleasure
and they've made your parents cry
I will be here
BELIEVE ME
I will be here
...believe me
Angel, don't take your life
some people have got no pride
they do not understand
the Urgency of life
but I love you more than life
I love you more than life
I love you more than life
I love you more than life
Back to Viva Hate
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"Late Night, Maudlin Street"

The last night on Maudlin Street
goodbye house
goodbye stairs
I was born here
I was raised here, and
...I took some stick here
love at first sight
may sound trite
but it's true, you know
I could list the details
of everything you ever wore
or said, or how you stood that day
and as we spend the last night
on Maudlin Street, I say
"goodbye house-forever!"
I never stole a happy hour
around here
Where the world's ugliest boy
became what you see
here I am - the ugliest man
Its the last night on Maudlin Street
and truly I do love you
oh, truly I do love you
When I sleep with that picture of
you framed beside my bed
oh, it's childish and it's silly
but I think it's you in my room
by the bed (...yes, I told you it was silly...)
and I know
I took strange pills
but I never meant to hurt you
oh truly I love you
I came home late one night
everyone had gone to bed
nobody stays up for you
when you have sixteen stitches
all around your head
the last buss I missed to Maudlin Street
so, he drove me home in the Van
complaining: "Women only like me for my mind..."
don't leave your torch behind
power-cuts ahead
as we crept through the park
but no I cannot steal a pair of jeans
off a clothesline for you
but you...without clothes
oh I could not keep a straight face
me - without clothes?
well a nation turns its back and gags...
I'm packed
I am moving house
a half-life disappears today
every slag waves me on
(secretly wishing me gone
well, I will be soon
oh - I will be soon)
There were bad times on Maudlin Street
when they took you away in a police car
dear Inspector - don't you know?
don't you care?
don't you know - about Love?
Your gran died
and your mother died
on Maudlin Street
in pain and ashamed
with never time to say
those special things
I took the keys from Maudlin Street
well, it's only bricks and mortar!
and...truly I do love you
wherever you are
wherever you are
Back to Viva Hate
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"Suedehead"

Why do you come here
why do you hang around
I'm so sorry
I'm so sorry
Why do you come here
when you know it makes
things hard for me
when you know, oh
why do you come?
Why do you telephone?
and why send me silly notes?
I'm so sorry
I'm so sorry
why do you come here
when you know it makes
thing hard for me
when you know, oh
why do you come?
You had to sneak into my room
'just' to read my diary
was it just to see all the things
you knew I'd written about you?
and...so many illustrations
I'm so very sickened
oh, I am so sickened NOW
Back to Viva Hate
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"Break Up the Family"

The strange logic of your clumsiest line
stayed emblazoned on my mind
break up the family
and lets begin to live our lives
I went to see all my friends tonight
it wasn't Youth, it wasn't even Life
born Old, sadly wise
resigned (well, we were)
to ending our lives
I'm so glad to grow older
to move away from those awful times
I want to see all my friends tonight
Yes you found love but you weren't
at peace with your life
home late, full of Hate
despise the ties that bind
oh I'm so glad to grow older
to move away from those younger years
now I'm in love for the first time
and I don't feel bad
Let me see all my old friends
let me put my arm around them
because I really do love them
now, does that sound mad?
Captain of games, solid framed
I stood on the touchline
hailstones, driven home
in his car - no breaks? I don't mind
I'm just so glad to grow older
to move away from those darker years
I'm in love for the first time
and I don't feel bad
so wish me luck my friends
goodbye
Back to Viva Hate
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"The Ordinary Boys"

Ordinary boys, happy knowing nothing
happy being no one, but themselves
Ordinary girls, supermarket clothes
who think it's very clever to be cruel to you
for you were so different
you stood all alone
and you knew
that it had to be so
avoiding ordinary boys
happy going nowhere, just around here
in their rattling cars
and ordinary girls
never seeing further
than the cold, small streets
that trap them
but you were so different
you had to say no
when those empty fools
tried to change you, and claim you
for the lair of their ordinary world
where they feel so lucky
so lucky, so lucky
with their lives laid out before them
they're so lucky, so lucky
so lucky, so lucky
Back to Viva Hate
Back to Alphabet

"I Don't Mind If You Forget Me"

I don't mind
I don't mind if you forget me
having learned my lesson
I never left an impression on anyone
so now you send me your hardened 'regards'
when once you'd send me 'love'
sincerely I must tell you
your mild 'best wishes'
they make me suspicious
but I don't mind
I don't mind if you forget me
having learned my lesson
I never left
an impression on anyone
the pressure to change, to move on
was strange
and very strong
so this is why I tell you
I really do understand
BYE BYE
I don't mind if you forget me
no no no no no no no
REJECTION IS ONE THING
BUT REJECTION FROM A FOOL
IS CRUEL
REJECTION IS ONE THING
BUT REJECTION FROM A FOOL
IS CRUEL
and I don't mind if you forget me
I don't mind if your forget me
Back to Viva Hate
Back to Alphabet

"Dial-A-Cliche"

Further into the fog I fall
well, I was just
following you!
when you said:
"Do as I do and scrap your fey ways"
(dial-a-cliche)
"grow up, be a man, and close your mealy-mouth!"
(dial-a-cliche)
But the person underneath
where does he go?
does he slide by the wayside?
or...does he just die?
when you find that you've organized
 your feelings, for people
who didn't like you then
and certainly don't like you now
yet still you say:
"Do as I do and scrap your fey ways"
(dial-a-cliche)
"grow up, be a man, and close your mealy-mouth!"
(dial-a-cliche)
"the Safe way is the only way!
there's always time to change, son!"
yes well I've changed
but I'm in pain!
dial-a-chiche
Back to Viva Hate
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"Margaret On The Guillotine"

The kind people
have a wonderful dream
Margaret on the guillotine
because people like you
make me feel so tired
when will you die?
when will you die?
when will you die?
when will you die?
when will you die?
because people like you
make me feel so old inside
please die
and kind people
do not shelter this dream
make it real
make the dream real
make the dream real
make it real
Back to Viva Hate
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Bona Drag

"Piccadilly Palare"

Off the rails I was and
off the rails
I was happy to stay
GET OUT OF MY WAY
on the rack I was
"easy Meat"
but a reasonably good buy
a reasonably good buy
the Piccadilly palare
was just a silly slang
between me and the boys in my gang
"so bona to vada, OH YOU
your lovely eek and
your lovely riah"
We plied an ancient trade
where we threw all life's
instructions away
exchanging lies and digs (my way)
well, in a belted coat
oh I secretly knew
that I hadn't a clue
the Piccadilly palare
was just a silly slang
between me and the boys in my gang
exchanging palare
you wouldn't understand
good sons like you
NEVER DO
So why do you smile
when you thing about Earls Court?
but you cry when you think of all
the battles you've fought (and lost)?
it may all end tomorrow
or, it could go on forever
(in which case; I'm doomed)
it could go on forever
Back to Bona Drag
Back to Alphabet

"Interesting Drug"

There are some bad people on the rise
there are some bad people on the rise
they're saving their own skins by
ruining people's lives
bad, bad people on the rise
Young married couple in debt
- ever felt had?
young married couple in debt
- ever felt had?
on a government scheme
designed to kill your dream
oh mum, oh dad
once poor - always poor
la la la la
interesting drug
the one that you took
God, it really really helped you
I wonder why you're only half-ashamed?
"Because ENOUGH is TOO MUCH!
and look around...
...can you blame us? CAN you blame us?
Back to Bona Drag
Back to Alphabet

"November Spawned A Monster"

Sleep on and dream of Love
because it's the closest you will get to love
poor twisted child
so ugly, so ugly
poor twisted child
oh hug me, oh hug me
one November
spawned a monster
in the shape of this child
who later cried
"But Jesus made me, so
Jesus save me from
pity, sympathy
and people discussing me"
a frame of useless limbs
what can make GOOD
all the BAD that's been done?
And if the lights were out
could you even bear
to kiss her full on the mouth
(or anywhere?)
poor twisted child
so ugly, so ugly
poor twisted child
oh hug me, oh hug me
one November
spawned a monster
in the shape of this child
who must remain
a hostage to kindess
and the wheels underneath her
a hostage to kindess
and the wheels underneath her
a symbol of where mad, mad lovers
must PAUSE and draw the line
So sleep and dream of love
because it's the closest
you will get to love
that November
is a time
which I must
put OUT of my mind
oh one fine day
LET IT BE SOON
she won't be rich or beautiful
but she'll be walking your streets
in the clothes that she went out
and chose for herself
Back to Bona Drag
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"Will Never Marry"

I'm writing this to say
in a gentle way
Thank You - but no
I will live my life as I
will undoubtedly die - alone
I'm writing this to say
in a gentle way
Thank you...
I will live my life as I...
for whether you stay
or you stray
an inbuilt guilt catches up with you
and as it comes around to your place
at 5 a.m. it wakes you up
and laughs in your face
Back to Bona Drag
Back to Alphabet

"Such A Little Thing Makes Such A Big Difference"

Such a little thing
such a little thing
but the difference it made was grave
there you go
wielding a bicycle chain
oh why won't you change
cange and be nicer?
such a little thing
a gentle tone of kindness
or written words on paper
- can you write?
How I love all of
the very simple things of life
(God's good air)
how I love all of
the very simple things of life
such a little thing
a fumbling politeness
the difference it saved me
wielding a bicycle chain
"I WILL NOT CHANGE
AND I WILL NOT BE NICE"
Most people keep their brains
between your legs
(don't you find?)
Leave me alone - I was only singing
leave me alone because
I was only singing
leave me alone - I was only singing
leave me alone
you have just proved (again)
MOST PEOPLE KEEP THEIR BRAINS
BETWEEN THEIR LEGS
Back to Bona Drag
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"The Last of the Famous International Playboys"

Dear hero imprisoned
with all the new crimes that you are perfecting
oh I can't help quoting you
because everything that you said rings true
and now in my cell
(well, I followed you)
and here's a list of who I slew
Roger Kray - do you know my name?
don't say you don't
please say you do, I am:
the last of the famous
international playboys
the last of the famous
international playboys
and now in my cell
(well, I loved you)
every man with a job to do
Ronnie Kray - do you know my face?
don't say you don't
please say you do, I am:
the last of the famous
international playboys
the last of the famous
international playboys
In our lifetime those who kill
the newsworld hands them stardom
and these are the ways
on which I was raised
these are the ways
on which I was raised
but I never wanted to kill
I'M NOT NATURALLY EVIL
such things I do
just to make myself
more attractive to you
HAVE I FAILED?
Back to Bona Drag
Back to Alphabet

"Ouija Board, Ouija Board"

Ouija board
would you work for me?
I have got to say Hello
to an old friend
Ouija board, ouija board
would you work for me?
I have got to get through
to a good friend
She has now gone
from this Unhappy Planet
with all the carnivores
and the destructors on it
ouija board, ouija board
would you help me
because I still do feel
so horribly lonely
would you, ouija board
would you, ouija board
would you help me
because I just can't find
my place in this world
she has now gone
from this Unhappy Planet
with all the carnivores
and the destructors on it
Oh hear my voice ("hear my voice")
oh hear my voice ("hear my voice")
The table is rumbling...
the table is rumbling
the glass is moving
"No, I was NOT pushing that time"
it spells S.T.E.V.E.N.
the table is rumbling
the glass is moving
"no, I was NOT pushing that time":
P.U.S.H.O. double F.
Back to Bona Drag
Back to Alphabet

"Hairdresser on Fire"

Here is London
here is London
is it home of the free,
or what?
can you squeeze me
into an empty page of your diary
and psychologically save me
I've got faith in you
I sense the power
in the fingers
within an hour the power
can totally destroy me
or it could same my life
here is London
'home of the brash, outrageous
and free'
you are repressed
but you're remarkably dressed
is it Real?
but you're far to busy
busy scissors
busy clippers
hair dresser on fire
all around Sloane Square
and you're far too busy
to see me
"busy,busy"
hairdresser on fire
was a client over-cautious
he made you nervous
and when he said
"I'm gonna sue you"
I really felt for you
so can you squeeze me
into an empty page of your diary
and supernaturally change me
CHANGE ME, CHANGE ME
Back to Bona Drag
Back to Alphabet

"Everyday Is Like Sunday"

Trudging slowly over wet sand
back to the bench
where your clothes were stolen
this is the coastal town
that they forgot to close down
Armageddon - come Armageddon!
Come Armageddon! Come!
Everyday is like Sunday
everyday is silent and grey
Hide on the promenade
scratch out a postcard
"how I dearly with I was not here"
in the seaside town
...that they forgot to bomb
Come! Come! Come - nuclear bomb!
Everyday is like Sunday
everyday is silent and grey
Trudging back over pebbles and sand
and a strange dust lands on your hands
(and on your face)
Everyday is like Sunday
"Win Yourself A Cheap Tray"
share some greased tea with me
everyday is silent and grey
Back to Bona Drag
Back to Alphabet

"He Knows I'd Love To See Him"

He Knows (he knows)
Or, I think he does
because when I lived
in the Arse of the world...
he knows, he knows
he knows I'd love
to see him happy
(or as close as is allowed)
because when I lived
in the Arse of the world
he knows, he knows
he knows I'd love
to see him happy
(or as close as possible
as close as possible
as close as is allowed)
My name still conjours up deadly deeds
and a bad taste in the mouth
the police - they actually knew me
they said:
"You're just another person in the world
you're just another fool with radical views
you're just another who has maddening views
you want to turn it on its head
by staying in bed!"
I said: "I know I do"
Back to Bona Drag
Back to Alphabet

"Yes, I am Blind"

Yes, I am blind
no, I can't see
the good things
just the bad things
Yes, I am blind
no, I can't see
there must be something
horribly wrong with me?
Love's youg dream
I'm the one who shopped you
I'm the one who stopped you
'cause in my sorry way I love you
Love's young dream
aren't you sorry
for what you've done?
well, you're not the only one
and in my sorry way I love you
Yes, I am blind
but I do see
Evil people prosper
over the likes of you and me
ALWAYS
Little lamb
on a hill
run fast if you can
good Christians
want to KILL you
and your live has not even begun!
Back to Bona Drag
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"Lucky Lisp"

When your gift unfurls
when your Talent becomes apparent
I will roar from the stalls
I will gurgle from the circle
The Saints smile shyly
down on you
they couldn't get over
your nine-leaved clover
Lucky lisp was not wasted on you
lucky lisp was not wasted on you
When your name is with the best
will my name be on your guest list?
I will roar from the stalls
oh the balcony fool was me, you fool
Jesus made this all for you, love
He couldn't get over
your Grandma's omen
Lucky lisp was not wasted on you
lucky lisp was not wasted on you
Back to Bona Drag
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"Disappointed"

Our unsleepable friend
gets the message on an ill-wind
'all your friends and your foes
would rather die than have to touch you'
TO SAY THE LEAST: truly disappointed
truly, truly, truly
Drank too much
said too much
and there's nowhere to go - but Down
young boy - I wanna help you
SEE THESE LINES?: truly disappointed
truly, truly, truly
Don't talk to me now
about people who are "nice"
'cause I have spent my WHOLE LIFE
in RUINS...
because of people who were "nice"
This world may lack Style, I know
but each bud must blossom and grow
Young girl one day we really will be old
but the thing is: I love you NOW
This is the last song I will ever sing
No I've changed my mind again
GOODNIGHT
AND THANK YOU
Back to Bona Drag
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Kill Uncle

"Our Frank"

Our frank and open
deep conversations
they get me nowhere
they bring me down, so
give it a rest, won't you?
give me a cigarette
God give me patience
just no more conversation

Give us a drink
and make it quick
or else I'm gonna be sick
sick all over
your frankly vulgar
red pullover
now see how the colours blend

Our frank and open
deep conversations
they get me nowhere
they bring me down, so
give it a rest, won't you?
now will you just give over
the world may be ending
but look, I'm only human

Give us a drink
and make it quick
or else I'm gonna be sick
all over
your frankly vulgar
red pullover
now see how the two colours blend

Won't somebody stop me
from thinking all the time
about everything
so deeply
so bleakly
Back to Kill Uncle
Back to Alphabet

"Asian Rut"

Day oh so late
strangely the sun still shone
oh Asian boy
what are you on?
Day oh so late
strangely the sun still shone
what drugs are you on?
Tooled-up Asian boy
has come here to avenge
the cruel, cold killing
of his very best friend
Tooled-up Asian boy
has come here to take revenge
for the cruel, cold killing
of his only friend
Peace through the school
so quiet in the hall
it's a strange sign for one
of what's to come
Tough and hard and pale
oh they may just impale you on railings
oh English boys
it must be wrong
three against one?
Brakes slammed, and
a gun jammed, and
as far as I could tell
brave Asian boy
dealt a blow and fell
I'm just passing through here
on my way to somewhere civilised
and maybe I'll even arrive
maybe I'll even arrive?
Back to Kill Uncle
Back to Alphabet

"Sing Your Life"

Sing your life
any fool can think of words that rhyme
many others do
why don't you?
do you want to?
Sing your life
just walk right up to the microphone
and name
all the things that you love
all the things that you loathe
sing your life
all the things that you love
all the things that you loathe
oh sing your life
oh sing your life
Others sang your life
but now's your chance to shine
and have the pleasure of
saying what you mean
the rare pleasure of
meaning what you sing
oh, make no mistake, my friend
all of this will end
so sing it now
all the things you love
all the things you loathe
oh sing your life
all the things that you love
all the things that you loathe
oh sing your
oh sing your
Don't leave it all unsaid
somewhere in the wasteland of your head
and make no mistake, my friend
your pointless life will end
but before you go
can you look at the truth?
You have a lovely singing voice
a lovely singing voice
and all of those
who sing on key
they stole the notion
from you and me
Back to Kill Uncle
Back to Alphabet

"Mute Witness"

Your poor witness
crying so loudly on the floor
oh but she's only trying to tell you
what it was that she saw
she is only trying to tell you
what it was that she saw
Now see her standing on the table
with her small arms flailing
and you feel such compassion
in your soul for
Your poor mute witness
still testing the strength
of our patience
oh but she's only trying to tell you
what it was that she saw
Now see her pointing to the frisbee
with a memory too fuzzy
as her silent words
describe the fright of last night
4 a.m. Norhtside, Clapham Common
who knows what she was doing there?
will she sketch the answer later?
Well, I'll ask her
"now dry your tears, my dear"
Now see her mime in time so nicely
it would all have been so clear
is only she had never volunteered
"your taxi is here, my dear"
Back to Kill Uncle
Back to Alphabet

"King Leer"

Your boyfriend, he
went down on one knee
well, could it be
he's only got one knee?
I tried to surprise you
with Vodka
or, Tizer
I can't quite remember
but you didn't thank me
you didn't even thank me
because you never do

Your boyfriend, he
has the gift of the gab
or, could it be
the gift of the grab?
I tried to surprise you
I lay down beside you
and...nothing much happened
and you didn't phone me
you didn't even phone me
because it's not your style
to dial

Your boyfriend, he
displays to me
more than just
a hint of cruelty
I tried to surprise you
I crept up behind you
with a homeless chihuahua
you gushed for an hour
you handed him back and said
"You'll never guess
I'm bored now"
Back to Kill Uncle
Back to Alphabet

"Found Found Found"

found found found
found found found
someone who's worth it
in this murkiness
someone who's never
seeming scheming
found found found
found found found
someone who's worth it
in this murkiness
someone who's never
seeming scheming
Oh, but if I'd never found
oh, but if I'd never found
oh, but if I'd never found
I do believe that
the more you give your love
and I do believe that
the more you offer trust
the more you chase
the more you cry
the more you're bound to lose
the more you're bound to lose
Oh, but if I'd never found
oh, but if I'd never found
somebody
who wants to be
who wants to be
with me
all the time
Back to Kill Uncle
Back to Alphabet

"Driving Your Girlfriend Home"

I'm driving
your girlfriend home
and she's saying
how she never chose you
"turn left", she says
so I turn left
and she says
"So how did I end up
so deeply involved in
the very existence
I planned on avoiding?"
and I can't answer
I'm driving
your girlfriend home
and she's laughing
to stop herself crying
"drive on", she says
so I drive on
and she says
"So how did I end up
attached to this person
when his sense of humour
gets gradually worser?"
and I can't tell her
I'm parking
outside her home
and we're shaking hands
goodnight, so politely
Back to Kill Uncle
Back to Alphabet

"The Harsh Truth of the Camera Eye"

Churchillian legs
hair barely there
the harsh truth of the camera eye

Your eyes signal pain
because of the strain
of smiling
the harsh truth of the camera eye

telling you all
that you never wnated to know
showing what
you didn't want shown

My so friendly lens
zooms into
"the inner you"
and it tells the harsh truth
and nothing but

Laugh with us all here
that's if you can
then take the pictures home
and scream

telling you all
that you never wanted to know
showing you what
you didn't want shown

This photographer
he must have really had it in for you

"Oh, I don't want
to be judged anymore
I don't wnat to be judged
I would sooner be Loved
I would sooner be
just blindly Loved..."
Back to Kill Uncle
Back to Alphabet

"(I'm) The End of the Family Line"

With no complications
fifteen generations
(of mine)
all honouring Nature
until I arrive
(with incredible style)

I'm the end fo the line
the end of the family line
the end of the line
No baby pulled screaming
out into this seething whirl
by chance or whim
(or even love?)
our family tree hacked into decline
and I'm spared the pain
of ever saying
("goodbye")

I'm the end of the line
the end of the family line
the end of the line
Back to Kill Uncle
Back to Alphabet

"There's a Place In Hell For Me And My Friends"

There is a place
reserved
for me and my friends
and when we go
we all will go
so you see
I'm never alone
there is a place
with a bit more time
and a few more
gentler words
and looking back
we do forgive
(we had no choice
we always did)
all that we hope
is that when we go
our skin
and our blood
and our bones
don't get in your way
making you ill
the way they did
when we lived
There is a place
a place in hell
reserved
for me and my friends
and if ever I
wanted to cry
then I will
because I can
Back to Kill Uncle
Back to Alphabet

Your Arsenal

"Your're Gonna Need Someone On Your Side"

With the world's fate
Resting on your shoulder
You're gonna need
Someone on your side

You can't do it by yourself
Any longer
You're gonna need
Someone on your side
Someone kindly told me
That you'd wasted
Eight of nine lives

Oh, give yourself a break
Before you break down
You're gonna need someone on your side

And here I am
And here I am
Well, you don't need
To look so pleased !

Day or night,
There is no difference
You're gonna need someone on your side

Day or night,
There is no difference
You're gonna need someone soon

And here I am
And here I am
Well, you don't need
To look so pleased
Back to Your Arsenal
Back to Alphabet

"Glamorous Glue"

First day with the jar
You find
Everyone lies
First day with the jar
You find
Everyone lies, nobody minds

Everyone lies
Where is the man you respect ?
And where is the woman you love ?
Where's the woman you love ?

Third week with the jar
You find
Everything dies
We won't vote Conservative
Because we never have

Everyone lies, everyone lies
Where is the man you respect ?
And where is the woman you love ?
Where's the woman you love ?

Everything of worth
On Earth
Is there
To share

I used to dream, and I used to vow
I wouldn't dream of it now
We look to Los Angeles
For the language we use
London is dead, London is dead
London is dead, London is dead
London is dead, London is dead
Now I'm too much in love
I'm too much in love

I know
I'll go
Empty hand
From the land
Back to Your Arsenal
Back to Alphabet

"We'll Let You Know"

How sad are we ?
And how sad have we been ?
We'll let you know
We'll let you know
Oh, but only if - you're really interested

You wonder how
We've stayed alive 'till now
We'll let you know
We'll let you know
But only if - you're really interested

We're all smiles
Then, honest, I swear, it's the turnstiles
That make us hostile
Oh ...

We will descend
On anyone unable to defend
Themselves
Oh ...

And the songs we sing
They're not supposed to mean a thing
La, la, la, la ...

Oh ...
You're lonely
Oh ... you're lonely
Oh ...
GET OFF THE ROOF !
Oh ...

Your Arsenal !

We may seem cold, or
We may even be
The most depressing people you've ever known
At heart, what's left, we sadly know
That we are the last truly British people you'll ever know
We are the last truly British people you will ever know
You'll never never want to know
Back to Your Arsenal
Back to Alphabet

"The National Front Disco"

David, the wind blows
The wind blows ...
Bits of your life away
Your friends all say ...
"Where is our boy ? Oh, we've lost our boy"
But they should know
Where you've gone
Because again and again you've explained that
You're going to ...

Oh, you're going to ...
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
England for the English !
England for the English !

David, the winds blow
The winds blow ...
All of my dreams away
And I still say :
"Where is our boy ? Ah, we've lost our boy"
But I should know
Why you've gone
Because again and again you've explained
You've gone to the ...

National, ah ...
To the National ..
There's a country; you don't live there
But one day you would like to
And if you show them what you're made of
Oh, then you might do ...

But David, we wonder
We wonder if the thunder
Is ever really gonna begin
Begin, begin
Your mom says :
"I've lost my boy"
But she should know
Why you've gone
Because again and again you've explained
You've gone to the :

National
To the National
To the National Front Disco
Because you want the day to come sooner
You want the day to come sooner
You want the day to come sooner
When you've settled the score

Oh, the National
Oh, the National
Oh, the National
Oh, the National
Oh, the National
Back to Your Arsenal
Back to Alphabet

"Certain People I Know"

I take the cue from
Certain people I know
I use the cue
And then I
Hand it on to you

And when I swing it
So, it catches his eye ...
(Weren't you there ?
- You'd have died !)

I trust the views of
Certain people I know
They look at Danger
And they
LAUGH THEIR HEADS OFF

Their clothes are Imitation
George the 23rd
(Don't you find this absurd ?)

I'd hate to be like
Certain people I know
They break their necks
And can't afford to
Get them fixed

Ah, they'd sacrifice all
Of their principles for
anything cashable
I do believe it's terrible

Oh, wo, wo
Ah, ah, ah, ah
Oh, wo, wo
Ah, ah, ah, ah
Oh, wo, wo
Ah, ah, ah, ah
Back to Your Arsenal
Back to Alphabet

"We Hate It When Our Friends Become Successful"

We hate it when our friends become successful
We hate it when our friends become successful
Oh, look at those clothes
Now look at that face, it's so old
And such a video !
Well, it's really laughable
Ha, ha, ha ...

We hate it when our friends become successful
And if they're Northern, that makes it even worse
And if we can destroy them
You bet your life we will
Destroy them
If we can hurt them
Well, we may as well ...
It's really laughable
Ha, ha, ha ...

You see, it should've been me
It could've been me
Everybody knows
Everybody says so
They say :

"Ah, you have loads of songs
So many songs
More songs than they'd stand
Verse
Chorus
Middle eight
Break, fade
Just listen ..."
La, la-la, la-la
Back to Your Arsenal
Back to Alphabet

"You're The One For Me, Fatty"

You're the One for me, fatty
You're the One I really, really love
And I will stay
Promise you'll say
If I'm in your way
You're the One for me, fatty
You're the One I really, really love
And I will stay
Promise you'll say
If I'm ever in your way
A-hey

All over Battersea
Some hope; and some despair
All over Battersea
Some hope; and some despair
Oh ...

You're the One for me, fatty
You're the One I really, really love
And I will stay
Promise you'll say
If I'm in your way
You're the One for me, fatty
You're the One I really, really love
And I will stay
Promise you'll say
If I'm ever in your way
A-hey

All over Battersea
Some hope; and some despair
All over Battersea
Some hope; and some despair
Oh, oh ...

You're the One for me, fatty
You're the One I really, really love
And I will stay
Promise you'll say
If I'm ever in your way
A-hey

You're the One for me, fatty
You're the One for me, a-hey-hey
A-hey
A-hey
A-hey
A-he-he-he-hey
Back to Your Arsenal
Back to Alphabet

"Seasick, Yet Still Docked"

I am a poor freezingly cold soul
So far from where
I intended to go
Scavenging through life's very constant lulls
So far from where I'm determined to go

Wish I knew the way to reach the one I love
There is no way ...
Wish I had the charm to attract the one I love
But you see, I've got no charm
Mmm...

Tonight I've consumed much more than I can hold
Oh, this is very clear to you
And you can tell I have never really loved
You can tell, by the way, I sleep all day

And all of my life no-one gave me anything
No-one has ever given me anything
My love is as sharp as a needle in your eye
You must be such a fool
To pass me by
Back to Your Arsenal
Back to Alphabet

"I Know It's Gonna Happen Someday"

My love, wherever you are
Whatever you are
Don't lose faith
I know it's gonna happen someday
To you

Please wait ...
Please wait ...
Oh ...
Wait ...
Don't lose faith

You say that the day just never arrives
And it's never seemed so far away
Still, I know it's gonna happen someday
To you

Please wait ...
Don't lose faith
Back to Your Arsenal
Back to Alphabet

"Tomorrow"

Tomorrow
Will it really come ?
And if it does come
Will I still be Human ?
All I ask of you is one thing that you never do

Would you put your arms around me ?
(I won't tell anyone)
Tomorrow
Does it have to come ?
All I ask of you is one thing that you'll never do

Would you put your arms around me ?
(I won't tell anybody)
Tomorrow
And what must come before ...

Oh, the pain in my arms
Oh, the pain in my legs
Ooh, my shiftless body

Tomorrow
It's surely nearer now ?
You don't think I'll make it
I never said I wanted to !
Well did I ?

Oh, the pain in my arms
Oh, the pain in my legs
Oh, yeah; oh, yeah
No, yeah; no, yeah
Through my shiftless body

Tomorrow
Tomorrow
All I ask of you ... oh ...

Is : would you tell me that you love me
Tell me, tell me that you love me
Tell me, tell me that you love me
Tell me that you love me !
Ah, I know you don't mean it
Ah, I know you don't mean it
Tell me, tell me that you love me
Tell me, tell me that you love me
Tell me, oh, tell me, oh
Tell me, oh, tell me, oh, tell me, oh
Tell me, oh, tell me, oh
Back to Your Arsenal
Back to Alphabet

Vauxhall And I

"Now My Heart Is Full"

There's gonna be some trouble
A whole house will need re-building
And everyone I love in the house
Will recline on an analyst's couch quite
Soon
Your Father cracks a joke
And in the usual way
Empties the room

Tell all of my friends
(I don't have too many
Just some rain-coated lovers' puny brothers)
Dallow, Spicer, Pinkie, Cubitt
Rush to danger
Wind up nowhere
Patric Doonan - raised to wait
I was tired again
I've tried again, and

I'm tired again, I've tried again, and

Now my heart is full
Now my heart is full
And I just can't explain
So I won't even try to

Dallow, Spicer, Pinkie, Cubitt
Every jammy Stressford poet
Loafing oafs in all-night chemists
Loafing oafs in all-night chemists
Underact - express depression
Ah, but Bunnie I loved you
Now my heart is full
Now my heart is full
And I just can't explain
So I won't even try to

Could you pass by ?
Could you pass by ?
Could you pass by ?
Could you pass by ?
Could you pass by ?
Oh ...

Now my heart is full
Now my heart is full
And I just can't explain
So ... slow ...
Slow ... slow ... slow ... slow ... slow ...
Back to Vauxhall And I
Back to Alphabet

"Spring-Heeled Jim"

Spring-heeled Jim winks an eye
He'll "do", he'll never be "done to"
He takes on whoever flew through
"Well, it's the normal thing to do" ... ah ...

Spring-heeled Jim lives to love
Now kissing with his mouth full
And his eyes on some other fool
So many women
His head should be spinning
Ah, but no !
Ah, but no !
But no !
Ah, no !

Spring-heeled Jim slurs the words :
"There's no need to be so knowing
Take life at five times the
Average speed, like I do"
Until Jim feels the chill
"Oh, where did all the time go ?"

Once always in for the kill
Now it's too cold
And he feels too
old
Too old
Mmm, old...

La, la, la, la-la, la ...
Back to Vauxhall And I
Back to Alphabet

Billy Budd

Say, Billy Budd
So you think you should ?
Oh, everyone's laughing
Say, Billy Budd
So you think that you should ?
Everyone's laughing !
Since I took up with you

Things have been bad
Yeah, but now it's 12 years on
Now it's 12 years on
Yes, and I took up with you

I took my job application
Into town
Did you hear ? They turned me down
Yes, and it's all because of us
Oh, and what was in our eyes
Oh, what was in our eyes, yeah

I said, Billy Budd
I would happily lose
Both of my legs
I would lose both of my legs
Oh, if it meant you could be free
Oh, if it meant you could be free

(Don't leave us in the dark!)
Back to Vauxhall And I
Back to Alphabet

"Hold On To Your Friends"

A bond of trust
Has been abused
Something of value
May be lost
Give up your job
Squander your cash - be rash
Just hold on to your friends

There are more than enough
To fight and oppose
Why waste good time
Fighting the people you like
Who will fall defending your name
Oh, don't feel so ashamed
To have friends

But now you only call me
When you're feeling depressed
When you feel happy I'm
So far from your mind
My patience is stretched
My loyalty vexed
Oh, you're losing all of your friends

Hold on to your friends
Hold on to your friends
Resist - or move on
Be mad, be rash
Smoke and explode
Sell all of your clothes
Just bear in mind :
Oh, there just might come a time
When you need some friends
Back to Vauxhall And I
Back to Alphabet

"The More You Ignore Me, The Closer I Get"

The more you ignore me
The closer I get
You're wasting your time
The more you ignore me
The closer I get
You're wasting your time

I will be
In the bar
With my head
On the bar
I am now
A central part
Of your mind's landscape
Whether you care
Or do not
Yeah, I've made up your mind

The more you ignore me
The closer I get
You're wasting your time
The more you ignore me
The closer I get
You're wasting your time

Beware !
I bear more grudges
Than lonely high court judges
When you sleep
I will creep
Into your thoughts
Like a bad debt
That you can't pay
Take the easy way
And give in
Yeah, and let me in
Oh, let me in
Oh let me ...
Oh, let me in
IT'S WAR
IT'S WAR
IT'S WAR
IT'S WAR
IT'S WAR
WAR
WAR
WAR
WAR
Oh, let me in
Ah, the closer I get
Ah, you're asking for it
Ah, the closer I get
Ooh, the closer I ...
Back to Vauxhall And I
Back to Alphabet

"Why Don't You Find Out For Yourself"

The sanest days are mad
Why don't you find out for yourself ?
Then you'll see the price
Very closely

Some men here
They have a special interest
In your career
They wanna help you to grow
And then syphon all your dough
Why don't you find out for yourself ?
Then you'll see the glass
Hidden in the grass

You'll never believe me, so
Why don't you find out for yourself ?
Sick down to my heart
That's just the way it goes

Some men here
They know the full extent of
Your distress
They kneel and pray
And they say :
"Long may it last"

Why don't you find out for yourself ?
Then you'll see the glass
Hidden in the grass
Bad scenes come and go
For which you must allow
Sick down to my heart
That's just the way it goes

Don't rake up my mistakes
I know exactly what they are
And ... what do YOU do ?
Well ... you just SIT THERE
I've been stabbed in the back
So many many times
I don't have any skin
But that's just the way it goes
Back to Vauxhall And I
Back to Alphabet

"I Am Hated For Loving"

I am hated for loving
I am hated for loving
Anonymous call, a poison pen
A brick in the small of the back again
I still don't belong
To anyone - I am mine

And I am hated for loving
I am haunted for wanting
Anonymous call, a poison pen
A brick in the ... ah ...
A brick in the small of the back again
I still don't belong
To anyone - I am mine

I am falling
With no-one to catch me
I am falling
And there's still
No-one to catch me
Ah ..
Anonymous call, a poison pen
A brick in the ... ah ...
A brick in the small of the back again
I just don't belong
To anywhere
I just don't belong
Mmm ...
Ah ...
Back to Vauxhall And I
Back to Alphabet

"Lifeguard Sleeping, Girl Drowning"

Always looking for attention
Always needs to be mentioned
Who does she
Think she should be ?
The shrill cry through darkening air
Doesn't she know he's
Had such a busy day ?

Tell her ... sshhh
Somebody tell her ... sshhh
Oh, no way, no way, there's no movement
Oh, oh, hooray
Slowest ...

It was only a test
But she swam too far
Against the tide
She deserves all she gets
The sky became marked with stars
As an out-stretched arm slowly
Disappears

Hooray
Oh hooray
No, oh, oh, woh, there's no movement
No, oh, hooray
Oh, hooray

Please don't worry
There'll be no fuss
She was ... nobody's nothing

(What's your name ?)
(What's your name ?)
(What's your name ?)
(What's your name ?)

When he awoke
The sea was calm
And another day passes like a dream
There's no ... no way

(What's your name ?)
(What's your name ?)
(What's your name ?)
(What's your name ?)
(What's your name ?)
(What's your name ?)
(What's your name ?)
(What's your name ?)
(What's your name ?)
Back to Vauxhall And I
Back to Alphabet

"Used To Be A Sweet Boy"

Used to be a sweet boy
Holding so tightly
To Daddy's hand
But that was all
In some distant land
Blazer and tie
And a big bright healthy smile
Used to make all
Of our trials worthwhile

Used to be a sweet boy
And I'm not to blame
But something went wrong
Something went wrong
And I know
I'm not to blame
Something went wrong
Can't be to blame
Ah ...
Back to Vauxhall And I
Back to Alphabet

"The Lazy Sunbathers"

A world war
Was announced
Days ago
But they didn't know
The lazy sunbathers
The lazy sunbathers

The sun burns through
To the planet's core
And it isn't enough
They want more

Nothing
Appears
To be
Between the ears of
The lazy sunbathers
Too jaded
To question stagnation
The sun burns through
To the planet's core
And it isn't enough
They want more

Religions fall
Children shelled
"...Children shelled ? That's all
Very well, but would you
Please keep the noise
Down low ?
Because you're waking
The lazy sunbathers ..."
Oh, the lazy sunbathers
The lazy sunbathers
Back to Vauxhall And I
Back to Alphabet

"Speedway"

And when you slam
Down the hammer
Can you see it in your heart ?
All of the rumours
Keeping me grounded
I never said, I never said that they were
Completely unfounded

So when you slam
Down the hammer
Can you see it in your heart ?
Can you delve so low ?
And when you're standing
On my fingers
Can you see it in your heart ? ... ah ...
And when you try
To break my spirit
It won't work
Because there's nothing left to break
Anymore
All of the rumours
Keeping me grounded
I never said, I never said that they were
Completely unfounded

You won't sleep
Until the earth that wants me
Finally has me
Oh you've done it now
You won't rest
Until the hearse that becomes me
Finally takes me
Oh you've done it now
And you won't smile
Until my loving mouth
Is shut good and proper
FOREVER

All of the rumours
Keeping me grounded
I never said, I never said that they were
Completely unfounded
And all those lies
Written lies, twisted lies
Well, they weren't lies
They weren't lies
They weren't lies

I never said
I never said
I could have mentioned your name
I could have dragged you in
Guilt by implication
By association
I've always been true to you
In my own strange way
I've always been true to you
In my own sick way
I'll always stay true to you
Back to Vauxhall And I
Back to Alphabet

Southpaw Grammar

"The Teachers Are Afraid Of The Pupils"

There's too many people
Planning your downfall
When your spirit's on trial
These nights can be frightening
Sleep transports sadness
To some other mid-brain
And somebody here
Will not be here next year
So you stand by the board
Full of fear and intention
And, if you think that they're listening
Well, you've got to be joking
Oh, you understand change
And you think it's essential
But when your profession
Is humiliation
Say the wrong word to our children ...
We'll have you, oh yes, we'll have you
Lay a hand on our children
And it's never too late to have you
Mucus on your collar
A nail up through the staff chair
A blade in your soap
And you cry into your pillow

To be finished would be a relief
To be finished would be a relief
To be finished would be a relief
To be finished would be a relief
To be finished would be a relief
To be finished would be a relief
Say the wrong word to our children ...
We'll have you, oh yes, we'll have you
Lay a hand on our children
And it's never too late to have you
To be finished would be a relief
To be finished would be a relief
To be finished would be a relief
To be finished would be a relief
To be finished would be a relief
To be finished would be a relief

I'm very glad the spring has come
The sun shines out so bright
All the birds that are on the trees
Are singing for delight
Back to Southpaw Grammar
Back to Alphabet

"Reader Meet Author"

You don't know a thing about their lives
They live where you wouldn't dare to drive
You shake as you think of how they sleep
But you write as if you all lie side-by-side
Reader, meet Author
With the hope of hearing sense
But you may be feeling let down
By the words of defence
He says : "No-one ever sees me when I cry"

You don't know a thing about their lives
Books don't save them, books aren't Stanley knives
And if a fight broke out here tonight
You'd be the first away, because you're that type
And the Year 2000 won't change anyone here
As each fabled promise flies so fast
You'll swear it was never there
Oh, have you ever escaped from a shipwrecked life ?

So safely with your software; all miles from the front line
You hear the way their sad voice sings, and you start to imagine things
Oh, any excuse to write more lies
Back to Southpaw Grammar
Back to Alphabet

"The Boy Racer"

He's just too good-natured and
He's got too much money and
He's got too many girlfriends
I'm jealous, that's all

Have you seen him go, though, oh ?
Have you seen him go, though, oh ?
Boy racer
Boy racer, oh
We're gonna kill this pretty thing
Boy racer
Boy racer, oh
We're gonna kill this pretty thing

He's got too many girlfriends
He thinks he owns this city
He overspeeds and he never gets pulled over

Have you seen him go, though, oh ?
Have you seen him go, though, oh ?
Boy racer
Boy racer, oh
We're gonna kill this pretty thing
Boy racer
Boy racer, oh
We're gonna kill this pretty thing

He thinks he got the whole world in his hands
Stood at the urinal
He thinks he got the whole world in his hands
And I'm gonna ... kill him !
Oh, no !
Oh, no !
Oh, no !
Oh, no !
Oh, no !
Oh, no !
Oh, no !
Oh, no !
Oh, no !
Oh ....

Boy racer
Boy racer, oh
We're gonna kill this pretty thing
Boy racer
Boy racer, oh
We're gonna kill this pretty thing
Boy racer
Boy racer, oh
We're gonna kill this pretty thing

He's just too good-looking
He's just too good-looking
He's just too good-looking, and
And, and ...
Boy racer
Boy racer, oh
We're gonna kill this pretty thing
Boy racer
Boy racer, oh
We're gonna kill this pretty thing
Back to Southpaw Grammar
Back to Alphabet

"The Operation"

You fight with your right hand
And caress with your left hand
Everyone I know is sick to death of you

With a tear that's a mile wide
In the kite that you're flying
Everyone I know is sick to death of you
Ever since
You don't look the same
You're just not the same, no way
You say clever things and
You never used to

You don't catch what I'm saying
When you're deafened to advice
Everyone here is sick to the
Back teeth of you

With a tear that's a mile wide
In the kite that you're flying
Everyone here is sick to the
Tattoo of you

Ever since
You don't look the same
You're just not the same, no way
You say pleasant things and
There is no need to

Still, you fight with your right hand
And caress with your left hand
Ooh, ooh ...

Sad to say ...
How once I was in love with you
Sad to say ...

You don't catch what I'm saying
When you're deafened to advice
Ooh, ooh ...

Ever since
You don't look the same
You're just not the same, no way
What the hell have
They stuck into you ?
Back to Southpaw Grammar
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"Dagenham Dave"

Head in the clouds, and a mouthful of pie
Head in a blouse, everybody loves him
I see why

Dagenham Dave, Dagenham Dave
Oh, Dagenham Dave
Dagenham Dave, Dagenham Dave
Oh, Dagenham Dave

"I love Karen, I love Sharon" on the windowscreen
With never the need to fight or to question a single thing

Dagenham Dave, Dagenham Dave
Oh, Dagenham Dave
Dagenham Dave, Dagenham Dave
Oh, Dagenham Dave
Dagenham Dave, Dagenham Dave
Oh, Dagenham Dave
Dagenham Dave, Dagenham Dave
Dagenham Dave

He'd love to touch, he's afraid that he might self-combust
I could say more, but you get the general idea

Dagenham Dave, Dagenham Dave
Dagenham Dave, Dagenham Dave
Dagenham, Dagenham
Dagenham Dave, Dagenham Dave
Dagenham Dave, Dagenham Dave
Dagenham, Dagenham Dave
Dagenham Dave, Dagenham Dave
Oh, Dave, oh, Dagenham, dagenham
Dagenham Dave
Dagenham Dave, Dagenham Dave
Oh, Dave, oh, Dave, oh, Dave
Oh, Dave
Back to Southpaw Grammar
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"Do Your Best And Don't Worry"

Compare the best of their days
With the worst of your days
You won't win
With your standards so high
And your spirits so low
At least remember ...
This is you on a bad day, you on a pale day

Just do your best and don't ...
Don't worry, oh
The way you hang yourself is oh, so unfair

See the best of how they look
Against the worst of how you are
And again, you won't win
With your standards so high
And your spirits so low
At least remember ...
This is you on a drab day, you in a drab dress

Just do your best and don't ...
Don't worry, oh
The way you hang yourself is oh, so unfair
Just do your best and don't ...
Don't worry, oh
The way you watch yourself is oh, so unfair

Just do your best and don't ...
Don't worry, oh
The way you hang yourself is oh, so unfair
Just do your best and don't ...
Don't worry, oh
Do your best and don't ...
Back to Southpaw Grammar
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"Best Friend On The Payroll"

I turn the music down; and I don't know why, this is my house
I turn the music down; and I don't know why, this is my house
The best friend on the payroll
No, no, no, it's not gonna work out
It's not gonna work out
No, no, no, no
The best friend on the payroll
Oh, no, no, no, it's not gonna work out
It's not gonna work out

More breakfast in bed, and I'll bring the paper in later
The best friend on the payroll
Oh, no, no, no, it's not gonna work out
It's not gonna work out
No, no, no, no
The best friend on the payroll
Oh, no, no, no, it's not gonna work out
It's not gonna work out

More breakfast in bed, and I'll bring the paper in later
The best friend on the payroll
No, no, no, it's not gonna work out
It's not gonna work out
No, no, no, no
The best friend on the payroll
No, no, no, no, it's not gonna work out
It's not gonna work out
Back to Southpaw Grammar
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"Southpaw"

You were a boy before you became a man
I don't see the joy
And you ran with your pals in the sun
You turned around and they were gone
Again ...

A sick boy should be treated
So easily defeated
Oh, I just don't understand
So you ran with your pals in the sun
You turned around
You were alone
Again ...
And you ran back to Ma
Which set the pace for the rest of your days
Oh, you ran back to Ma
Which set the pace for the rest of your days
Oh, you ran back to Ma
Which set the pace for the rest of your days

And now, there is something that you should know
There is something that you should know
The girl of your dreams is
Here all alone
Girl of your dreams is
Here all alone
The girl of your dreams is
Sad and all alone
The girl of your dreams is
Here all alone
There is something that you should know
There is something that you should know
Girl of your dreams is
Here all alone
The girl of your dreams is
Sad and is all alone
The girl of your dreams is
Sad and is feeling all alone
Oh, there is something that you should know

Help me, help me, help me ...
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Maladjusted

"Maladjusted"

I wanna start from
Before the beginning
Loot wine, "Be mine, and
Then let's stay out for the night"
Ride via Parkside
Semi-perilous lives
Jeer the lights in the windows
Of all safe and stable homes
(But wondering then, well what
Could peace of mind be like ?)
Anyway do you want to hear
Our story, or not ?
As the Fulham Road lights
Stretch and invite into the night
From a Stevenage overspill
We'd kill to live around
SW6 - with someone like you
Keep thieves' hours
With someone like you
...As long as it slides
You stalk the house
In a low-cut blouse :
"Oh Christ, another stifled
Friday night !"
And the Fulham Road lights
Stretch and invite into the night
Well, I was fifteen
What could I know ?
When the gulf between
All the things I need
And the things I receive
Is an ancient ocean
Wide, wild, lost, uncrossed
Still I maintain there's nothing
Wrong with you
You do all that you do
Because it's all you can do
Well, I was fifteen
Where could I go ?
With a soul full of loathing
For stinging bureaucracy
Making it anything
Other than easy
For working girls like me
With my hands on my head
I flop on your bed
With a head full of dread
For all I've ever said
Maladjusted, maladjusted
Maladjusted maladjusted
Never to be trusted
Oh, never to be trusted
There's nothing wrong with you, oh
There's nothing wrong with you, oh
There's nothing wrong with you, oh
There's nothing wrong with you
There's nothing wrong with you
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"Alma Matters"

So : the choice I have made
May seem strange to you
But who asked you, anyway ?
It's my life to wreck
My own way

You see : to someone, somewhere, oh yeah ...
Alma matters
In mind, body and soul
In part, and in whole
Because to someone, somewhere, oh yeah ...
Alma matters
In mind, body and soul
In part, and in whole

So the life I have made
May seem wrong to you
But, I've never been surer
It's my life to ruin
My own way

You see : to someone, somewhere, oh yeah ...
Alma matters
In mind, body and soul
In part, and in whole
Because to someone, somewhere, oh yeah ...
Alma matters
In mind, body and soul
In part, and in whole

To someone, somewhere, oh yeah ...
Alma matters
In mind, body and soul
Part, and in whole
So to someone, somewhere, oh yeah ...
Alma matters
In mind, body and soul
Part, and in whole

To someone, somewhere, oh yeah ...
Oh yeah ...
Oh yeah, oh yeah
Oh yeah ...
Back to Maladjusted
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"Ambitious Outsiders"

Bolt-lock your doors
Alarm your cars
And still we move in closer
Every day
Top of the list
Is your smiling kids
But we'll be smiling too
So that's OK
Oh, and by the way
Thank you, because you're
Giving, giving, giving
And we're receiving -
No, no, we're taking
Keeping the population down

Your taxes paid, but
Police waylaid
And we knows
When the school bus
Comes and goes
We're on your street, but
You don't see us
Or, if you do
You smile and say Hello

BUT DON'T UNDERESTIMATE US
When you are
Giving, giving, giving
And we're receiving -
No, no, we're taking
Just keeping
The population down
You're giving, giving, giving
Well, it's your own fault
For reproducing

We're just keeping
The population down
Back to Maladjusted
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"Trouble Loves Me"

Trouble loves me
Trouble needs me
Two things
More than you do
Or would attempt to
So, console me
Otherwise, hold me
Just when it seems like
Everything's evened out
And the balance
Seems serene

Trouble loves me
Walks beside me
To chide me
Not to guide me
It's still much more
Than you'll do
So, console me
Otherwise, hold me
Just when it seems like
Everything's evened out
And the balance seems serene
See the fool I'll be
Still running 'round
On the flesh rampage
Still running 'round

Ready with ready-wit
Still running 'round
On the flesh rampage
- At your age !
Go to Soho, oh
Go to waste in
The wrong arms
Still running 'round
Trouble loves me
Seeks and finds me
To charlatanize me
Which is only
As it should be
Oh, please fulfill me
Otherwise, kill me

Show me a barrel and watch me scrape it
Faced with the music, as always I'll face it
In the half-light
So English, frowning
Then at midnight I
Can't get you out of my head
A disenchanted taste
Still running 'round
A disenchanted taste
Still running 'round
Back to Maladjusted
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"Papa Jack"

Papa Jack
Wants to turn
Back the clock
And reach out
To the kids
He once had
Who have flown

Papa Jack
In decline
Feels inclined
To reach out
To the kids
He once had
Who have flown

But there was a time
When the kids reached up
And Papa Jack just
Pushed them away

Looking deep
In his heart
Papa Jack
Doesn't like
What he sees
Or the time
On his hands

The dying day
The chilly sun
Papa Jack
All alone
Sings slow
Grieving and low

But there was a time
When the kids reached up
Now you can't always
Have it your way

Papa Jack
Ah ...
Back to Maladjusted
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"Ammunition"

I know these roads
Each ridge
And narrow bridge
Each cheveron
Enticing me on
Each warning sign
I take in my stride

I don't need more ammunition
I've got more than I can spend
I don't dwell on things I'm missing
I'm just pleased
With the things I've found

I know these roads
An old hand understands
Above all, I know what's
Expected of me now
Veering cliffwards

I don't need more ammunition
I've got more than I can spend
I don't dwell on things I'm missing
I'm just pleased
With the things I've found
With the things I've found
With the things I've found
I've found

I've been crying
It comes back on these salient days
And it stays
And it says :
"We've never really been away"

I don't need more ammunition
I've got more than I can spend
I don't think of who I'm missing
I've got no space and no time
In my life, anymore
No space or time
In my life, anymore
For Revenge
Back to Maladjusted
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"Wide To Receive"

Download something
Useful, or useless
Because I'm lying here
Wide to receive
Almost anything
You'd care to give
And I don't
Get along with myself
And I'm not too keen
On anyone else
Turn on, plug in
Then just walk away
Unlock, process
And then just go
And I've never felt quite so alone
As I do right now

I'm lying here
Wide to receive
Almost anything
You'd care to leave
Wide, wide, wide
Wide, wide, wide
Wide, wide
Wide, wide
Wide, wide, wide, wide
Wide, wide, wide, wide
Wide, wide, wide, wide
Back to Maladjusted
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"Roy's Keen"

(GO ON !)
He's romancing you
And chancing his arm
He'll be here
Smiling on time
He's romancing you
And chancing his arm
He'll be here
Smiling on time
Roy's keen oh Roy's keen
Roy's keen oh Roy's keen
We've never seen a
Keener window-cleaner
Back up the ladder
Into each corner
Dunking the chamois
Just think of the goodwill
The ladder's a planet
Roy is a star, and
I am a satellite
(But that's alright)
He can hold a smile for as long
As you require (even longer)
He can hold a smile for as long
As you require (even longer)
Roy's keen oh Roy's keen
Roy's keen oh Roy's keen
We've never seen a
Keener window-cleaner
Back up the ladder
Into each corner
Dunking the chamois
Just think of the goodwill
The ladder's a planet
Roy is a star, and
I am a satellite
I will be set alight
Don't say you'll hold it steady
Then you let it go
Don't say you'll hold it steady
Then you let it go
Oh ...

You're up the ladder
Into each corner
Foot in a bucket
We trust you to wreck it
Even when it's under your nose
Well, you just can't
See it, can you ?
Well, it's here
Right under your nose
And you just can't
See it, can you?
La la la la ...
Roy's keen, Roy's keen
La la la la ...
Roy's keen, Roy's keen
La la la la ...
Roy's keen, Roy's keen
La la la la ...
Roy's keen, Roy's keen
We've never seen a
Keener window-cleaner
Oh ...
La la la la ...
Back to Maladjusted
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"He Cried"

I need you
Simple words
But words which had never been heard
By the soul
Stoned to death
But still living
And so he froze where he stood
And he looked to the ground
And he cried
He cried

Ride our minds
If you must
But there's always a line you don't cross
Time is short
Don't be cruel
Oh you don't know the power
In what you're saying
Oh ...
And so he froze where he stood
And he looked to the ground
And he cried
He cried

People where
I come from
They survive without feelings or blood
I never could
Was stoned to death
But I'm still living
So he froze where he stood
And he looked to the ground
And he cried
He cried

So he froze
And he looked, and he looked
To the ground
And he cried
He cried
Back to Maladjusted
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"Sorrow Will Come In The End"

Legalized theft
Leaves me bereft
I get it straight in the neck
(Somehow expecting no less)
A court of justice
With no use for Truth
Lawyer ...liar
Lawyer ...liar
You pleaded and squealed
And you think you've won
But Sorrow will come
To you in the end
And as sure as my words are pure
I praise the day that brings you pain
Q.C.'s obsessed with sleaze
Frantic for Fame
They're all on the game
They just use a different name
You lied
And you were believed
By a J.P. senile and vile
You pleaded and squealed
And you think you've won
But Sorrow will come
To you in the end
And as sure as my words are pure
I praise the day that brings you pain
So don't close your eyes
Don't close your eyes
A man who slits throats
Has time on his hands
And I'm gonna get you
So don't close your eyes
Don't ever close your eyes
You think you've won
OH NO
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"Satan Rejected My Soul"

Satan rejected my soul
He knows my kind
He won't be dragged down
He's seen my face around
He knows Heaven doesn't seem
To be my home
So I must find
Somewhere else to go
So I must find
Somewhere else to go
So, take it - please
It's free
You'll never see
You'll never see
All the fun in life it's cost me
Satan rejected my soul
As low as he goes
He never quite goes this low
He's seen my face around
He knows Heaven doesn't seem
To be my home
So I must find
Somewhere else to go
So I must find
Somewhere else to go
So, take it please
It's really sly
Come on, come on, ah
Come on, come on, come on
Take it please
It's really sly
Come on, come on, ah
Come on, come on, come on
Call me in
Pull me in, call me in
Come on, come on, oh
Come on, come on, come on
Pull me in, pull me in
Call me in, haul me in, pull me in
Come on, come on, ah
Come on, come on
La la la la la
Oh ...
Back to Maladjusted
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You Are The Quarry

"America Is Not The World"

America / your head’s too big / because
America / your belly’s too big
and I love you
I just wish you’d stay where you is / in
America / the land of the Free, they said
and of opportunity
in a Just / and a Truthful way
but where the President is never black
or female or gay / and until that day
you’ve got nothing to say to me
to help me believe / in
America / it brought you the hamburger
well America / you know where
you can shove your hamburger
and don’t you wonder
why in Estonia / they say “hey you, /
you big fat pig” / “you fat pig” / “you fat pig”
Steely-blue eyes / with no love in them
scan the world
and a humourless smile
with no warmth within
greets the world
and I / I have got nothing / to offer you
just this heart deep and true
which you say you don’t need
- see with your eyes / touch with your hands
- please
- hear through your ears / know in your soul
- please
for haven’t you me with you now?
and I love you / I love you / I love you
I love you / I love you / I love you
Back to You Are The Quarry
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"Irish Blood, English Heart"

Irish blood, English heart
This I’m made of
There is no one on earth
I’m afraid of
And no regime
Can buy or sell me
	I’ve been dreaming of a time when
	To be English
	Is not to be baneful
	To be standing by the flag not feeling
	Shameful, racist or partial
Irish Blood, English heart
This I’m made of
There is no one on earth
I’m afraid of
And I will die
With both my hands untied
	I’ve been dreaming of a time when
	The English are sick to death of labour
	and Tories
	and spit upon the name of Oliver Cromwell
	and denounce this royal line that still
	Salute him / and will salute him forever
Back to You Are The Quarry
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"I Have Forgiven Jesus"

I was a good kid
I wouldn’t do you no harm
I was a nice kid
with a nice paper-round
Forgive me any pain
I may have brung to you
With God’s help I know
I’ll always be near to you
but Jesus hurt me
When He deserted me / but
I have forgiven Jesus
for all the desire
He placed in me
when there’s nothing I can do with this desire
I was good kid
through hail and snow / I’d go
just to moon you
I carried my heart in my hand
- do you understand?
- do you understand?
but Jesus hurt me
when He deserted me / but
I have forgiven Jesus
for all of the love / he placed in me
when there’s no one I can turn to with this love
Monday-humiliation / Tuesday-suffocation
Wednesday-condescension / Thursday-is…pathetic
by Friday-Life has killed me
by Friday-Life has killed me
why did you give me /so much desire?
when there is nowhere I can go
to offload this desire?
and why did you give me so much love
in a loveless world?
when there is no one I can turn to
to unlock all this love
and why did you stick me in
self-deprecating bones and skin
Jesus-do you hate me?
why did you stick me in
self-deprecating bones and skin
… … do you hate me?
Back to You Are The Quarry
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"Come Back To Camden"

There is something I wanted to tell you
it’s so funny you’ll kill yourself laughing
but then I look around
and I remember that I am alone / alone / forevermore

The tile yard, all along the railings
up a discoloured dark brown staircase
here you’ll find / despair and I
calling to you with what’s left of my heart / forevermore

Drinking tea with the taste of the Thames
sullenly, on a chair on the pavement
here you’ll find / my thoughts and I
and here is the very last plea from my heart / forevermore

Where taxi drivers never stop talking
under slate-grey Victorian sky
here you’ll find / despair and I
and here I am every last inch of me’s yours / yours / forevermore

Your leg came to rest against mine
then you lounged with knees up and apart
and me and my heart
we knew / we just knew
forevermore

Where taxi-drivers never stop talking
under slate-grey Victorian sky
here you’ll find / my heart and I
and still we say “come back / come back
to Camden and / I’ll be good”
Back to You Are The Quarry
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"I'm Not Sorry"

On returning
I can’t believe this world is still turning
the pressure’s on
because the pleasure hasn’t gone
and I’m / not sorry for
for the things I’ve done
and I’m / not looking for
just anyone

On competing
when will this tired heart stop beating?
it’s all a game
existence is only a game
and I’m / not sorry for
for the things I’ve done
and I’m / not looking for
just anyone

I’m / slipping below the water-line
I’m / slipping below the water-line
reach for my hand / and
the race is won
reject my hand / and
the damage is done

I’m / slipping below the water-line
I’m / slipping below the water-line

the woman of my dreams / she
never came along
the woman of my dreams / well
there never was one
and I’m / not sorry for
for the things I’ve said
there’s a wild man
in my head
there’s a wild man
in my head
Back to You Are The Quarry
Back to Alphabet

"The World Is Full Of Crashing Bores"

You must be wondering how
the boy next door turned out
have a care / but don’t stare - he’s still there
lamenting:
	“policewomen, policemen, silly women,
	taxmen - uniformed whores
	they who wish to hurt you
	work within the law
	this world is full / so full of crashing bores
	and I must be one
	cos no one ever turns to me to say
	‘take me in your arms
	take me in your arms / and love me’”
You must be wondering how
the boy next door turned out
have a care / and say a prayer - he’s still there
lamenting:
	“policewomen, policemen, silly women,
	taxmen - uniformed whores
	educated criminals
	work within the law
	this world is full / so full of crashing bores
	and I must be one
	cos no one ever turns to me to say
	‘take me in your arms
	take me in your arms / and love me
	and love me…’”
What really lies
beyond the constraints of my mind?
could it be the sea?
with Fate mooning back at me?
no, it’s just more lock-jawed pop-stars
thicker than pig-shit / nothing to convey
so scared to show Intelligence
It might smear their lovely career
this world - I am afraid
Is designed for crashing bores
I am not one / I am not one
you don’t understand
you don’t understand / and yet you can
take me in your arms and love me / love me
and love me
take me in your arms and love me
love me / love me
take me in your arms and love me
take me in your arms and love me
would you do / what you should do
Back to You Are The Quarry
Back to Alphabet

"How Can Anybody Possibly Know How I Feel?"

She told me she loved me
which means
she must be insane
I’ve had my face dragged in
fifteen miles of shit
and I do not / and I do not
and I do not like it
so how can anybody say
they know how I feel?
the only one around here who is me
is me

They said they respect me
which means
their judgment is crazy
I’ve had my face dragged in
fifteen miles of shit
and I do not / and I do not
and I do not like it
so how can anybody say
they know how I feel?
when they are they
and only I am I

He says he wants to befriend me
which means
he can’t possibly know me
the voices of the real
and the imagined cry:
“the future is passing you by
the future is passing you by.”
so how can anybody possibly think they
know how I feel?
everybody look / see pain /walk away
and as for you in your uniform
your smelly uniform
and so you think you can be rude to me
because you wear a uniform
a smelly uniform
and so you think you can be rude to me
but even I / as sick as I am
I would never be you
even I / as sick as I am
I would never be you
even I / sick and depraved
a traveler to the grave
I would never be you
Back to You Are The Quarry
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"The First Of The Gang To Die"

You have never been in love
until you’ve seen the stars
reflect in the reservoirs
and you have never been in love
until you’ve seen the dawn rise
behind the Home For The Blind
we are the Pretty Petty Thieves
and you’re standing on our streets
where Hector was the first of the gang
with a gun in his hand
and the first to do time
the first of the gang to die / oh my
Hector was the first of the gang
with a gun in his hand
and the first to do time
the first of the gang to die /oh my
You have never been in love
until you’ve seen sunlight thrown
over smashed human bone
we are the Pretty Petty Thieves
and you’re standing on our streets
where Hector was the first of the gang
with a gun in his hand
and the first to do time
the first of the gang to die
such a silly boy
Hector was the first of the gang
with a gun in his hand
and a bullet in his gullet
the first Lost Lad under the sod
And he stole from the rich and the poor
and the not-very-rich
and the very poor
and he stole all hearts away
Back to You Are The Quarry
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"Let Me Kiss You"

There’s a place in the sun
for anyone who has the will to chase one
and I think I’ve found mine
yes, I do believe I have found mine / so
Close your eyes
and think of someone
you physically admire
and let me kiss you
let me kiss you
I’ve zig-zagged all over America
and I cannot find a safety haven
would you let me cry
on your shoulder
I’ve heard that you’ll try anything twice
Close your eyes
and think of someone
you physically admire
and let me kiss you
let me kiss you
But then you open your eyes
and you see someone
that you physically despise
but my heart is open
my heart is open to you
Back to You Are The Quarry
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"All The Lazy Dykes"

All the lazy dykes
cross-armed at the Palms
then legs astride their bikes
indigo burns on their arms

One sweet day - an emotional whirl
you will be good to yourself
and you’ll come and join the girls

All the lazy dykes
they pity how you live
‘just somebody’s wife’
you give, and you give and you give
and you give…

One sweet day - an emotional whirl
you will be good to yourself
and you’ll come and join the girls

Touch me, squeeze me
hold me too tightly
and when you look at me
you actually see me
and I’ve never felt so alive
in the whole of my life
in the whole of my life

Free yourself
be yourself
come to the Palms
and see yourself
and at last your life begins
at last your life begins
at last your life begins
at last your life begins
Back to You Are The Quarry
Back to Alphabet

"I Like You"

Something in you caused me to
take a new tact with you
you were going through
something I had just about scraped through
why do you think I let you get away
with the things you say to me?
could it be I like you?
it’s so shameful of me / I like you
No one I ever knew
or have spoken to resembles you
this is good or bad
all depending on my general mood
why do you think I let you get away
with the things you say to me?
could it be I like you?
it’s so shameful of me / I like you
Magistrates / who spend their lives
hiding their mistakes
they look at you and I / and
envy makes them cry
envy makes them cry
Forces of containment
they shove their fat faces into mine
but you and I just smile
because we’re thinking the same lines
why do you think I let you get away
with all the things you say to me?
could it be I like you?
it’s so shameful of me / I like you
because you’re not right in the head
and nor am I / and this is why
you’re not right in the head
and nor am I / and this is why
this is why I like you
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"You Know I Couldn't Last"

The whispering
may hurt you
but the printed word
might kill you
the whispering
may hurt you
but the printed word
might kill you
so don’t let the blue
the blue eyes fool you
they’re just gelignite
loaded and aiming right between your eyes
CDs and t-shirts and promos and God knows
you know I couldn’t last
someone please take me home
The teenagers
who love you
they will wake up
yawn and kill you
the teenagers
who love you
they will wake up
yawn and kill you
so don’t let the blue
the blue eyes fool you
they’re just gelignite
loaded and aiming right between your eyes
CDs and t-shirts and promos and God knows
you know I couldn’t last
someone please take me home
there’s a cash-register ringing and
it weighs so heavy on my back
someone please take me home
The critics who
can’t break you
they somehow help to make you
the critics who
can’t break you
unwittingly, they make you
so don’t let the good days
of the gold discs
creep up and mug you
with evil legal eagles
you know I couldn’t last
accountants rampant
you know I couldn’t last

every -ist and every -ism
thrown my way to stay
and the Northern leeches go on
removing, removing
then in the end
your royalties bring you luxuries
your royalties bring you luxuries
but oh - the squalor of the mind
the squalor of the mind
the squalor of the mind
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