The Sinking Ship, The Grand Applause

Grandfather burned up to ash and returned to the earth which spawned

This nefarious prank that's controlled by the length of his arms

And the kindred is gathered by coffin and chaplain on his behalf

And a discreet tender man clears his throat, waves his hand following a laugh

And the band plays on

Like a fat baby's birth like a cry and curse at the breathing space

While the mother rejoices ten fingers ten toes and a handsome face

And the family is gasping each one can't help asking, “How was it my dear?”

Like a scorn for the born that was torn

And deformed for the next cruel years

And the band plays on

So I'll cut you all open and see what's inside you or what's missing

While this virgin your daughter skirt down the altar

She don't owe you a goddamn thing

Cause she's gorgeous I'll take her to the house by the lake where I write her a song

While you fat pigs with call-girls

They dance in the ballrooms shaking their wallets at god

And the notes fill the pages as I scramble to paste up my bleeding heart

And this sick song moves on if you're lucky lifelong you can sing a part

As it falls apart