Respect Is Due

(album: The Dismemberment Plan Is Terrified - 1997)

Well I only call you darling
Cause I know how much it bugs you
And darling, some habits are so hard to break
And if you think that condescension is sexy
Well, that's your mistake to make

So I learned about my power
And learned how not to say it
And I learned that I have some things some people need
And yeah, I know it's not healthy
But it sure beats giving you the lead

If I ever would let down the walls
That protect me from you
I would say respect is due
But not in this lifetime

So maybe I'd have loved you
So maybe if you loved me
And maybe the Easter bunny exists
It's all the same to me now, dear
Yeah, but don't think I don't have those old lists

Now the guns are tired
Shoot bullets in slow motion
And all the soldiers have all gone home
And that's too bad 'cause it was such a nice war, dear
Yeah, but it's time to leave well enough alone

If I ever would let down the walls
That protect me from you
I would say respect is due
But not in this lifetime

Well I only call you darling
Because I really mean it
Don't take my word for it; I wouldn't take yours
And yet I know it's not healthy
Yeah, but it sure beats picking at age-old sores

So bon voyage, my darling
It was real good knowing you
That's French for "have a good trip," if you didn't know
Cause condescension is sexy
And I don't know why, why you wouldn't think so

If I ever would let down the walls
That protect me from you
I would say respect is due
But not in this lifetime