The tiny slip at midnight
A little sip at noon
You're tired and torn, approaching dawn
My penitent buffoon
Wouldn't you think I'd know by now?
I shouldn't have entertained it
Couldn't you keep that to yourself?
You cried for my forgiveness
You say it sets you free
You summon, dear, the shameful tears
That spill all over me
Wouldn't you think I'd know by now?
I shouldn't have entertained it
Couldn't you keep that to yourself?

The penny rides at evening tide
The vain requests
The blush of the night
And the blooming bush
Where you failed every test
What should I believe of you?
What should I forget?
Am I innocent yet?

Is it the wife you would have beaten?
Is it the child you couldn't bear?
I fear you have mistaken me
For somebody who cares
The sophisticated victim
That you skillfully request
You can hide behind your wishes
You can hide behind despair
And all the wretched syndromes
That carry away the blame
Couldn't you keep you keep that to yourself?
And wouldn't you, shouldn't you, couldn't you
Keep that to yourself?