Dirge

Intro:           I hate myself for lovin’ you  And the weakness that I showed ... You were just a painted face  On a trip down Suicide Road. The stage was set the lights went out  All around the old hotel I hate myself for lovin’ you  And I’m glad the curtain fell. I hate that foolish game we played  And the need that was expressed And the mercy that you showed to me Whoever would have guessed I went out on Lower Broadway  And I felt that place within That hollow place where martyrs weep  And angels play with sin Heard your songs of freedom  And man forever stripped Acting out his folly  While his back is being whipped Like a slave in orbit  He’s beaten ’til he’s tame All for a moment’s glory  And it’s dirty rotten shame There are those who worship loneliness  I’m not one of them In this age of fiberglass  I’m searching for a gem The crystal ball up on the wall  Hasn’t shown me nothing yet I’ve paid the price of solitude  But at least I’m out of debt Can’t recall a useful thing  You ever did for me ’Cept pat me on the back one time  When I was on my knees We stared into each other’s eyes  ’Til one of us would break No use to apologize  What diff’rence would it make So sing your praise of progress  And of the Doom Machine The naked truth is still tabu  Whenever it can be seen Lady Luck who shines on me  Will tell you where I’m at I hate myself for lovin’ you  But I should get over that