In the End

Lyrics

[Verse 1] I promise you, I won't leave a clue: No tell-tale remark, no print from my shoe Still, a steady trail to the water's edge... I will keep my pledge to the end: I intend to go free [Verse 2] No more rushing around, no more travelling chess; Guess I'd better sit down, you know I do need the rest... Yes, it's time to resign with equanimity and placidity From the game I can't explain; I can't relate... I done it all too late? [Segue] [Verse 3] Now is the time for the commission to report; Till lately, I thought I'd been planted Trying hard to make it all come real Permission to feel is ungranted But now it's happening I'd like to keep it private if I can; Last words, last looks, make a final stand Now my number's come up on the Pools I guess I'll board the Titanic for a cruise... [Verse 4] This is the time to make my status clear Too late, I fear, and lonely As friends and enemies traverse the stage; All in a rage disown me And all the pit-props shatter into dust about my ears: Memory and conscience, hope and fear As I crawl out further on the limb Something tells me I am crawling In to unknown prophecies and lives The rainbow's end is hemmed around with knives... [Segue] [Verse 5] As I stand on the boards and the stage lights grow dim Shall I go out of doors, or shall I maybe go in? I reached the point when I should take my cue And follow you and your signs? I can't remember my lines As the prompter cat-calls And the cards all fall In the strike [Verse 6] All the pages are thin, all the corners are curled Does the starshine fall in through my window on the world? Or am I living out (The seeds of doubt) a chronicle of revenge? The willow bends As do my hands; Do you understand? And will you still be my friend in the end? [Outro] When my mouth falls slack And I can't summon up another tune Shall I then look back and say I did it all Too soon?