elvis costello
tears at the birthday party
Think back now when we were young There were always tears at the birthday party You know how children can be So cruel That's how it starts, but What if we never learn how to behave? I did something, and you never forgave me I never thought that it could be like this But now I see I see you share your cake with him Unwrapping presents that I should have sent What can I do? Must I watch you? Close the door, dim the lights, blow out the candles So Happy Birthday again And it's the same every year Seems that I remember it as something more, but You know how children can grow So strange I still adore you What if we never learn from our mistakes? But then, you'll never know how my heart aches I never thought that it would be like this But now I see I see you share your cake with him Unwrapping presents that I should have sent What can I do? Must I watch you? Close the door, dim the lights, blow out the candles So Happy Birthday again Close the door, dim the lights, blow out the candles So Happy Birthday again One day I know he'll forget To pay you the compliments you're after You'll hang your sad, aching head Behind a brittle smile or a shrill of laughter What if we only get what we deserve? Somehow I couldn't quite summon the nerve Upon each anniversary Then do you ever think of me? Unwrapping presents that I should have sent What can I do? Must I watch you? Close the door, dim the lights, blow out the candles So Happy Birthday again Close the door, dim the lights, blow out the candles So Happy Birthday again Close the door, dim the lights, blow out the candles So Happy Birthday again Close the door, dim the lights, blow out the candles So Happy Birthday again.