Lady Godiva’s Operation

Lyrics

[Verse 1: John Cale] Lady Godiva, dressed so demurely Pats the head of another curly-haired boy Just another toy Sick with silence, she weeps sincerely Saying words that have oh-so-clearly been said So long ago [Verse 2: John Cale] Draperies wrapped gently 'round her shoulder Life has made her that much bolder now That she's found out how [Verse 3: John Cale] Dressed in silk, Latin lace, and envy Pride and joy of the latest penny fair Pretty passing care Hair today now dipped in the water Making love to every poor daughter's son Isn't it fun? [Verse 4: John Cale, Lou Reed, Both] Now, today, propping grace with envy Lady Godiva peers to see if anyone's there And hasn't a care Doctor is coming, the nurse thinks sweetly Turning on the machines that neatly pump air The body lies bare Shaved and hairless, what once was screaming Now lies silent and almost sleeping The brain must have gone away Strapped securely to the white table Ether caused the body to wither and writhe Underneath the white light Doctor arrives with knife and baggage Sees the growth as just so much cabbage Oh, that must now be cut away Now comes the moment of great, great decision Doctor is making his first incision [Verse 5: John Cale, Lou Reed] One goes here One goes there "The ether tube's leaking," says someone who's sloppy Patient, it seems, well, he's not so well sleeping (You're not a girl, you're not a girl, you're not a girl) The screams echo up the hall (You're not a girl, you're not a girl) Don't panic, someone give him Pentothal instantly (You're not a girl, you're not) Doctor removes his blade cagily slow from the brain (You're not, you're not, you're not) By my count of ten (You're not, you're not a girl) The head won't move (You're not a girl, you're not)