Testo The Sinking Ship, The Grand Applause The Paper Chase
Grandfather burned up to ash and returned to the earth which spawned
This nefarious prank thatâs controlled by the length of his arms
And the kindred is gathered by coffin and chaplain on his behalf
And a discreet tender man clears his throat, waves his hand following a laugh
And the band plays on
Like a fat babyâs birth like a cry and curse at the breathing space
While the mother rejoices ten fingers ten toes and a handsome face
And the family is gasping each one canât help asking, âHow was it my dear?â
Like a scorn for the born that was torn
And deformed for the next cruel years
And the band plays on
So Iâll cut you all open and see whatâs inside you or whatâs missing
While this virgin your daughter skirt down the altar
She donât owe you a goddamn thing
Cause sheâs gorgeous Iâll take her to the house by the lake where I write her a song
While you fat pigs with call-girls
They dance in the ballrooms shaking their wallets at god
And the notes fill the pages as I scramble to paste up my bleeding heart
And this sick song moves on if youâre lucky lifelong you can sing a part
As it falls apart