This public face I'm prepared to wear,
My private thoughts, I keep them all well hidden.
I set myself up for a fall.
It was all that I owned
So I relied on my charm alone.
I backed away from the untoward,
I'd stacked the odds, I thought, in my favour.
The tables turned, it's all given away -
He who pays for the piper
Gets to call in the loans.
You don't get far on your charm alone.
Over and over,
Again and again
I'd play it by ear
Till the short straw was drawn,
Then lie in the bed
I'd made my own
A lucky man trusting charm alone.
I took you into my confidence,
I bared my soul in all my doubt and weakness.
I never thought I'd be overheard -
My words were meant for your ears alone.
I revealed all my secrets
So my cover was blown
In whispered words through a megaphone.
Inaction and motive
In practised behaviour
I sought out advancement
I thought I was blessed
I thought I was special
But now nothing's left
And so I sold my soul,
I bought the farm -
You only get so far on your charm alone.