Innocent Bystander

Wiped away the condensation

Looked down at the empty street

A girl in white - fright screaming loudly

A screwed-up nut in pursuit

I stood and watched

Frozen to the spot

I stood and watched her bruised chest and heave stop

Not more than a hundred miles from here

I could be sleeping, no more pillow fears

But now I find that I can't hide

I can't hide, I can't hide anymore

We didn't like to interfere

We're all respectable people here

Turn out the lights and continue watching

Seven stories up and conscience clear

Lying in the curb, legs bent the wrong way

Shattered glass and uniparts in the road

The ghouls on the pavement were making a feast of it

Their kids licking ice-creams and asking rude questions

I stood and watched

Eyes glued to the spot

I stood and watched the blood begin to clot

They stand and stare and anything that moves

Half naked silhouettes, net curtain viewers

But now I find that I can't hide

I can't hide, I can't hide anymore

The convoy moves closer to the scene of the disaster

Families from miles around gather here

Siren lights and Polaroids flashing in the darkness

A black box for the pilot and passengers

I stood and watched

Transfixed, cool and hot

I stood and watched burnt bodies left to rot

Not more than twenty-four hours from here

I could buy a one-way ticked and disappear

But still I find that I can't hide

I can't hide, I can't hide anymore