Elvis Costello - The First to Leave lyrics

I should open with a kiss

For if you're reading this

You must have opened up your case

And found this letter where I placed it

In between the silk and lace

There were other clues, like your walking shoes

But I still refused to believe

That you were meant to be the first to leave

Everybody here sends you their love

How can I forget you still walk above

Or

below

Perhaps you'll never know this purgatory

We never could agree

There's a thought, there's a pause

No time to repent

Eternally yours

In a permanent lent

But if I should give you up

If you're right and life just stops

And I never see your face again

Then from unearthly pleasures, proud and plain

I shall abstain

Until you realise, my loss is your surprise

Unless you know otherwise

Then don't grieve

You see I had to be the first to leave