The Grateful Dead
Victim or the Crime (Live at Boston Garden, Boston, MA, September 25, 1991)
[Verse 1]
Patience runs out on the junkie
The dark side hires another soul
Did he steal his fate or earn it?
Was he force fed? Did he learn it?
Whatever happened to his precious self control?
Like him, I'm tired of trying to heal
This tomcat heart with which I'm blessed
Is destruction loving's twin?
Must I choose to lose or win?
Maybe when my turn comes I will have guessed
These are the horns of the dilemma
What truth this proof against all lies?
When sacred fails before profane
The wisest man is deemed insane
Even the purest of romantics compromise

[Chorus]
What fixation feeds this fever?
As the full moon pales and climbs
Am I living truth or rank deceiver?
Am I the victim or the crime?
Am I the victim or the crime?
Am I the victim or the crime, or the crime?

[Instrumental Break]
[Verse 2]
And so I wrestle with the angel
To see who'll reap the seeds I sow
Am I the driver or the driven?
Will I be damned to be forgiven?
Is there anybody here but me who needs to know?

[Chorus]
What it is that feeds this fever
As the full moon pales and climbs?
Am I living truth or rank deceiver?
Am I the victim or the crime?
Am I the victim or the crime?
Am I the victim or the crime?
Am I the victim or the crime?
Victim or the crime? Victim or the crime?
Victim or the crime? Victim or the crime?
Am I the victim or the crime? Victim or the crime?

[Instrumental Outro]