After the Fall - Elvis Costello

In an anonymous rendezvous

Where the forbidden lovers repair

They’re burning down another damn candle

They’re melting the tables and chairs

Beneath them applause from the balcony

Whenever they accomplished making love

Other times they thought they heard laughter

Coming from the balcony above

She lies to his right and she carelessly recites

All of her brand new appetites

She seems brittle and small, it don’t sound like her at all

Since she came back to him after the fall

She said «You never visit the countryside»

«So I’ve made you a country to order»

She put up a little tent in the bedroom

Crickets played on a tape-recorder

The ceiling was festooned with phosphorous stars

She noticed his skin turning cold

Burning all his clothes on the bonfire

«Relax» she whispered and tightened the blindfold

You’ve changed but not for the better babe

I’d tell you why but what’s the use

Because it’s the same kind of pity

A drunkard gives as his excuse

You were sharp and ideal as a bobby pin

Now your eyes are deserted and quiet

We both look like those poor shattered mannequins

Thrown through the window in the riot

She lies in his arms and without any qualms

Revels in shallow delights

She seems brittle and small, it don’t sound like her at all

Since she came back to him after the fall