Elvis Costello - Joe Porterhouse lyrics

The children sit upon the stairs

High above a valley of tears

Don't let them see you crying that way oh no

Oh no Joe Porterhouse

Is not gone forever

He'll be back another day

Don't let them see you crying that way

Chorus

Please don't wake him let him sleep

It's a moment she can keep

Like an old bus ticket or a photograph

Resting on the mantlepiece

While for the wicked there is no peace

She says it's not his time to go

Why we were nearly lovers years ago

Now what is left for me

Among the broken branches of the family tree

Heart like an anchor

Arms like cable

He stood all alone on an iron turntable

Don't let them see you crying that way oh no

The sun beats down

It's cracking the flags

Boys who should know better

Are stamping out fags

Don't let them see you laughing that way

Chorus

Oh no Joe Porterhouse

Is not gone forever

He'll be back another day

Don't let them see you crying that way