Elvis Costello - Tears At The Birthday Party lyrics

Think back now when we were young

There were always tears at the birthday party

You know how children can be

So cruel

That's how it starts, but

What if we never learn how to behave?

I did something, and you never forgave me

I never thought that it could be like this

But now I see

I see you share your cake with him

Unwrapping presents that I should have sent

What can I do?

Must I watch you?

Close the door, dim the lights, blow out the candles

So Happy Birthday again

And it's the same every year

Seems that I remember it as something more, but

You know how children can grow

So strange

I still adore you

What if we never learn from our mistakes?

But then, you'll never know how my heart aches

I never thought that it would be like this

But now I see

I see you share your cake with him

Unwrapping presents that I should have sent

What can I do?

Must I watch you?

Close the door, dim the lights, blow out the candles

So Happy Birthday again

Close the door, dim the lights, blow out the candles

So Happy Birthday again

One day I know he'll forget

To pay you the compliments you're after

You'll hang your sad, aching head

Behind a brittle smile or a shrill of laughter

What if we only get what we deserve?

Somehow I couldn't quite summon the nerve

Upon each anniversary

Then do you ever think of me?

Unwrapping presents that I should have sent

What can I do?

Must I watch you?

Close the door, dim the lights, blow out the candles

So Happy Birthday again

Close the door, dim the lights, blow out the candles

So Happy Birthday again

Close the door, dim the lights, blow out the candles

So Happy Birthday again

Close the door, dim the lights, blow out the candles

So Happy Birthday again