Id takes a rum punch Ego orders gin Superego checks its lipstick That’s when the Truth walks in I pour the Senator bourbon The Colonel takes it neat Family values at the podium Their knees meet underneath I hear him preach of decency I watch him fix his tie The Colonel lets him finish I dont ask him why His halo gets the microphone His Shadow gets my bar The Senator leaves smiling The Colonel lingers on He waits until the room has thinned Then finally leans in There’s the kernel of the Truth He’s kept buttoned in They tell me everything Names on a napkin Deals in the hall Who gets the contract Who takes the fall Then lean across my bar & say “You didnt hear a thing” Certainly I’m standing right here I pour the Banker gin The Arms Peddler Scotch I hear one price the risk I hear one price the shot Banker calls it ‘exposure’ Dealer calls ‘supply’ Then asks him what the Bank would cost If he decided he should buy Banker laughs Then checks his face The Dealer doesnt blink The joke becomes a number Before he lifts his drink Dealer wants the bank Banker wants his piece Enough to buy an island Or a Cabinet on lease? They tell me everything I know the Lurker by the door I clock who came alone My server gives the slightest glance I know what’s going on She catches my eye Two quiet words Angel Shot Her coat goes on He gets walked out I’m standing right here They tell me everything Names on a napkin Deals in the hall Who gets the contract Who takes the fall They talk because they mistake service For disappearing Useful Keep talking I’m standing right here I came here with equations A degree & careful plans I knew stress load & failure What a structure could withstand They said “You need experience” I asked “Experience where?” Then held their little meetings Like I wasnt even there So now I measure whiskey And pressure in the room I watch Persona enter I watch the Shadow loom I designed load-bearing structures That Knowledge didnt disappear I know exactly when a room wont stand I’m standing right here I’ve got 3 generals at my table 4 stars apiece Still thirsty for a 5th Now none can sit at ease One says ‘lawful!’ One says ‘orders!’ One keeps turning round his glass But “it is surely to their credit” They’re still arguing The Line when an Order turns Unlawful when Obedience becomes Crime 30 years of grim Politics Have brought them here at last Say yes: Own the crime Say no: End the climb Quite a Catch-22 At the top of a Lifetime I hear them circle ‘Duty’ Career Command & Law 3 men who got this high by knowing When to say nothing at all Nobody touches his drink Then one finally makes it clear “I didnt swear an oath for this” I’m standing right here They tell me everything Passwords & promises Contracts & retreats Who bought the Silence Who’s losing their seat Id drinks Persona slips Shadow appears They keep talking like I’m furniture I’m standing right here Tomorrow they’ll call it ‘breaking news!’ I heard it Tuesday night “Last call gentlemen!” Settle up Goodnight When the story breaks It wont come from me
Comments are disabled on this song