Peter Hammill
That Wasn’t What I Said
The way this narrative's unfolding
I've got in way above my head
Sense I'm about to be held to account for
Some things I never did, some words I never said

I can tell you're keen to hold my attention
Though my concentration's starting to fade
As you set out your stall and say that you're ready
To wait for the pay-out on promises I never made

Don't know where this is going
I don't know if we're speeding up or slowing down
You haven't read the questions
I haven't got the answers now
It looks as though we've run aground

Better bring it on, get the motor running;
Surely we don't belong, but let's pretend anyway
So the story's gone wrong no-one saw it coming -
Moving along will we be moving away
To another life where we might not be strangers?
Might be husband and wife, might find our future assured?
Time and tide that's enticed, none of that could change us
Oh but you don't think twice, just make up what's gone before

I don't know where that came from
A strange imagination's got
A stranglehold on you
You talk as if you know me:
In reality you haven't got
The faintest clue
And now this narrative's exploding
Through a merry dance your fantasies have sped
Still you say my words are in your heart forever:
"I'll always love you...."

That wasn't what I said