[Verse 1] I sat down to write a love song, Three chords and something kind. By verse two I'd put the human race On trial in my mind. I said, "I'm not a preacher," Then cleared my throat to start: Eight carefully arranged complaints About the human heart. [Pre-Chorus] And every time I tell you I'd rather be alone, I leave a lamp on in the hall In case you come back home. [Chorus] So no belting at the end of the world, No fireworks, no grand display. Keep the bass warm, keep the lights low, Let the clever words fall away. I've got notes on everybody, I can tell you who's to blame. But I write manifestos When I mean, "Please stay." [Verse 2] I told my friends, "Don't love me," Then waited by the phone. I've spent my life explaining Why people feel alone. I chart the stars to seconds, Each planet has its place. But I can't read the silence When it settles on your face. [Pre-Chorus] I know a thousand theories That tell us why we hide. I can't find one good sentence To ask you to come inside. [Chorus] So no belting at the end of the world, No fireworks, no grand display. Keep the bass warm, keep the lights low, Let the clever words fall away. I've got notes on everybody, I can tell you who's to blame. But I write manifestos When I mean, "Please stay." [Spoken Word - dry, deadpan] For fuck's sake... It's only a love song. [Bridge - intimate, half-time] If God should bring the answers, I'd ask him for a draft. I'd edit out the thunder And leave the bits that laugh. But if you come and sit here, I might put down my pen. I might not fix the world tonight - I might just let you in. [Final Chorus - softer, stripped back] No belting at the end of the world, No sermon, no parade. Just a voice across the table, And the mess that we have made. I've got notes on everybody, I can tell you who's to blame. But I write manifestos When I mean, "Please stay." [Outro - almost whispered] Please stay. No, don't call it love. Just stay. [End]
