Congratulations

Lyrics

[Verse 1] Dead in the water, it's not a paid vacation The sons and daughters of city officials attend demonstrations It's hardly a sink or swim when all is well if the ticket sells [Verse 2] Out with a whimper, it's not a blaze of glory You look down from your temple as people endeavor to make it a story And chisel a marble word, but all is lost if it's never heard [Chorus] But I've got someone to make reports That tell me how my money's spent To book my stays and draw my blinds So I can't tell what's really there And all I need's a great big congratulations [Verse 3] I'll keep your dreams, you pay attention for me As strange as it seems, I'd rather dissolve than have you ignore me The ground may be moving fast but I tied my boots to a broken mast [Verse 4] The difference is clear, you throw it in your cauldron Rust and veneer, dusk and dawn, Steinways and Baldwins You start with a simple stock of all the waste and salt to taste [Chorus] But damn my luck and damn these friends That keep on combing back their smiles I save my grace with half-assed guilt And lay down the quilt upon the lawn Spread my arms and soak up congratulations