Private Hell

(album: Standards And Practices, Vol II - 2001)

Closer than close
You see yourself a mirrored image
Of what you wanted to be
As each day goes by
A little more you can't remember
What it was you wanted anyway

The fingers feel the lines
They prod the space your aging face
The face that once was so beautiful
Is still there but unrecognizable
Private hell
Private hell

The man who you once loved
Is bald and fat and seldom in
Working late as usual
Your interest has waned
You feel the strain
The bed springs snap
On the occasions he lies upon you
Close your eyes and think of nothing but
Private hell
Private hell

Think of Emma wonder what she's doing
Her husband Terry and your grandchildren
Think of Edward who's still at college
You send him letters which he doesn't acknowledge

'Cause he don't care
They don't care
'Cause they're all going through their own
Private hell
Private hell

The morning slips away
In a valium haze and catalogues
And numerous cups of coffee
In the afternoon
The weekly food is put in bags
As you float off down the high street

The shop windows reflect
Play a nameless host, to a closet ghost
A picture of your fantasy
A victim of your misery
And private hell
Private hell

Think of Emma wonder what she's doing
Her husband Terry and your grandchildren
Think of Edward who's still at college
You send him letters which he doesn't acknowledge

'Cause he don't care
They don't care
'Cause they're all going through their own
Private hell
Private hell

Alone at 6 o'clock you drop a cup
You see it smash inside you crack
You can't go on but you sweep it up
Safe at last inside your private hell
Sanity at last inside your private hell
Sanity at last inside your private hell
Private hell
Private hell
Private hell