Tourniquet - Martyr's Pose lyrics

Father checked out prematurely, mother drank away her soul

You became the whipping boy for an angry, bitter man

When you see this much this young you learn to cope as best you can

The trick's to look remorseful, but never shoulder any blame

Condition their responses, that's the way to play the game

Crocodile tears stream from your eyes

Shoot an anguished look up at the sky

Then it's arms outstretched, and a southbound nose

Your defensive stance

Your martyr's pose

It's now your nature, it fits you like a second skin

You adopt your tortured posture when you feel their patience wearing thin

Tell me how much alienation

How much bitterness have you tasted

How many years were wasted trying to turn dead roses red

You typecast yourself in this role - your martyr's pose