Elvis Costello - This Sad Burlesque lyrics

I write in hopes that by the time you get this letter

We may live to see a change for the better

Or are we so devoted to these wretched selfish motives

When the cold facts and figures all add up

They cannot contradict this sad burlesque

This sad burlesque

With miserable failures making entertainment of our fate

Laughter cannot dignify of elevate

This sad burlesque

Now can they recall being young and idealistic

Before wading knee-deep in hogwash and arithmetic

The pitying smirk

The argument runs like clockwork

Will run down eventually and splutter to a stop

P.S. Well by now you know the worst of it

And we've heard all the alibis that they've rehearsed

The smug predictions

If it's not a contradiction

Keep faith in human nature

And have mercy on the creatures in this sad burlesque