Elvis Costello

No one looks in this place for motive or any hope
But for the dead shot of an amber glass
The blue light of a votive

Rain obscured the window
As the pain was dulled by the grains
Absolved by spoons in flames
In fear in time dissolving

It’s not for the faint of pulse
Or anybody false
Those amateurs who simply shed their skins
Where are those traitors now, we once called patriots?
Just like the saints who seem to revel in their sins

Oh my eyes were filled with tears that were stinging
After our assassin’s work was done
The bells in hands were only there for the wringing
And we were bringing bullets for the new-born king

Trumpet sound lamenting
Trampling down the blooms of the deceased
The double agent girl and the fallen priest were heading for the border

Somewhere in the high command there stayed the palest hand
Who saw the order countermand
Erased the tape recorder and then they hung him from a window cord

Swallow down that voodoo vial and stay your breath a while
Before we spill the tale that we have spun
And now I shall confide all that I have denied
Oh I’m so sorry for the things I’ve done

Oh my eyes were filled with tears that were stinging
After our assassin’s work was done
The bells in hands were only there for the wringing
And we were bringing bullets for the new-born king