Victim or the Crime - Grateful Dead

Patience runs out on the junkie

The dark side hires another soul

Did he steal his fate or earn it?

Was he force fed, did he learn it?

Whatever happened to his precious self control?

Like him, I’m tired of tryin' to heal

This tomcat heart with which I’m blessed

Is destruction loving’s twin?

Must I chose to lose or win?

Maybe when my turn comes I will have guessed

These are the horns of the dilemma

What truth this proof against all lies?

When sacred fails before profane

The wisest man is deemed insane

Even the purest of romantics compromise

What fixation feeds this fever?

As the full moon pales and climbs

Am I living truth or rank deceiver?

Am I the victim or the crime?

Am I the victim or the crime?

Am I the victim or the crime, or the crime?

And so I wrestle with the angel

To see who’ll reap the seeds I sow

Am I the driver or the driven?

Will I be damned to be forgiven?

Is there anybody here but me who needs to know?

What it is that feeds this fever

As the full moon pales and climbs?

Am I living truth or rank deceiver?

Am I the victim or the crime?

Am I the victim or the crime?

Am I the victim or the crime?

Am I the victim or the crime?

Am I the victim or the crime, or the crime?