Linger On

Step out to clutch the evening air

Distraction from your disrepair

And all of those who say they know

And walk the balustrade 'til dawn

You won't blink you won't yawn

Never let your weakness show



And though I keep your picture on the wall

Unplug the phone in case you call

Dust collects upon the sill

And still you misplace all your faith in words

As though you'll ever feel assured

If you don't know you never will



But no I never meant you any harm

Suffocating shelter of your arms

And if I let you down, it

Wasn't me, but you who kept me round

Linger on, linger on



And while your tears fall down his cheek

For the fallen, small and meek

Look what the invalids compose

Well he should've warned you from the start

Another callus on the heart

Another victim of the throes



So sip your cigarettes and tea

Be sure you never think of me

When your tragedies unload

And in case your beauty makes you weep

For what you touched but couldn't keep

For what you had but couldn't hold



No I never meant you any harm

Suffocating shelter of your arms

And if you should feel betrayed, it

Wasn't me, but you who made me stay

Linger on, linger on



Well I'll take your convalescent dreams

Patch the wounds, sew the seams

And get you ready for the fall

But should you miss me when I'm gone

Girl your memory serves you wrong

You never needed me at all



But you can miss the hollow of my hand

And all the lives that we had planned

And all the jealousies you sowed

But I'll take back the youth you can't repay

All the hours I gave away

And all the lies I never told



But no I never meant you any harm

Suffocating shelter of your arms

And if I did you wrong, it

Wasn't me, but you who wrote this song

Linger on, linger on