Lyrics After the Fall - Elvis Costello

After the Fall

In an anonymous rendezvous
Where the forbidden lovers repair
They’re burning down another damn candle
They’re melting the tables and chairs
Beneath them applause from the balcony
Whenever they accomplished making love
Other times they thought they heard laughter
Coming from the balcony above
She lies to his right and she carelessly recites
All of her brand new appetites
She seems brittle and small, it don’t sound like her at all
Since she came back to him after the fall
She said «You never visit the countryside»
«So I’ve made you a country to order»
She put up a little tent in the bedroom
Crickets played on a tape-recorder
The ceiling was festooned with phosphorous stars
She noticed his skin turning cold
Burning all his clothes on the bonfire
«Relax» she whispered and tightened the blindfold
You’ve changed but not for the better babe
I’d tell you why but what’s the use
Because it’s the same kind of pity
A drunkard gives as his excuse
You were sharp and ideal as a bobby pin
Now your eyes are deserted and quiet
We both look like those poor shattered mannequins
Thrown through the window in the riot
She lies in his arms and without any qualms
Revels in shallow delights
She seems brittle and small, it don’t sound like her at all
Since she came back to him after the fall