Lyrics I Almost Had a Weakness - Elvis Costello, The Brodsky Quartet

I Almost Had a Weakness

Thank you for the flowers
I threw them on the fire
And I burned the photographs that you had enclosed
God they were ugly children
So you’re that little bastard of that brother of mine
Trying to trick a poor old woman
Till I almost had a weakness
Last week Cousin Florence
Bit your Uncle Joe
Hit him on the forehead with a knife and a fork
Said that he looked like the devil
Then she said, «Pass the vinegar,» I’m beginning to think
That I’m the only one who hasn’t taken to the drinking of it
Though I almost had a weakness
It pains me to mention
These delicate concerns
While I have to tolerate you family jewels
I really mustn’t grumble
Cause when I die the cats and dogs will jump up and down
And you little swines will get nothing
Though I almost had a weakness