So men are still at war in this land

For certain songs and certain dates

The tender gave way to the firebrand

And Europe gave way to the States


So now that money's all but scentless

Noses and consciences are clear

The pointless flowers can be dispensed with

To see a friend in tears


So our defeats are just reminders

Of death that waits behind it all

The body wilts before the mind does

Surprised to see how soon it falls


It's true our women have deceived us

All hunted species disappear

It's true we've shot the golden eagles

To see a friend in tears


It's true our cities are exhausted

Made by and for the middle aged

Our weakness gave them more than force did

We thought that love could cure a toothache


And in the underground we're drowning

Accelerating through the years

You think you'll find the truth by frowning

To see a friend in tears


It's true our mirrors don't show heroes

We lack the courage to be Jews

Without the elegance of Africa

With our youthful fireworks all defused


And all these men who are our brothers

Wonder why we don't want to hear

How their worst enemies are their lovers

To see a friend in tears