Lyrics Civilization - David Byrne

Civilization

Somewhere between the darkness and light
The faces all glow but it’s not too bright
Civilization, it’s all about knives and forks
Isn’t she here?
What time is it now?
Is this the right place?
Do I fit with her crowd?
I’m gonna be a civilized man someday
Part of me wants to jump and shout
Part of me wants to tear it down
I thought you might prefer the cabernet
Civilization, it’s all about sex
Havin' a ball in a padded banquet
I’m gonna be that really cool guy someday
The waiter looks me over
«Would you like cream or sugar?»
I don’t know, what was I supposed to say?
She wonders if I’ll notice
I should have brought some roses
Her plate is full, she hasn’t eaten all day
Glasses collect, we order some booze
She looks at me, I stare at her shoes
Mature situations, maybe a broken heart
Maybe I ought to pay the bill
Maybe she thinks I never will
A million things that cross a woman’s mind
Just be yourself, well that’s what they say
I barely know who I was yesterday
I’m gonna be that civilized guy someday
Good friends and conversation
The rise and fall of nations
A moment’s glory and they’ve had their day
And on my high school folder
I drew a big gorilla
Something familiar, something far, far away
Somewhere between the darkness and light
She touches my hand, she don’t seem to mind
We can go home, we can be civilized