Endless Cycle - Lou Reed

The bias of the father runs on through the son

And leaves him bothered and bewildered

The drugs in his veins only cause him to spit

At the face staring back in the mirror

How can he tell a good act from the bad

He cant even remember his name

How can he do what needs to be done

When hes a follower not a leader

The sickness of the mother runs on through the girl

Leaving her small and helpless

Liquor files through her brain with the force of a gun

Leaving her running in circles

How can she tell a good act from the bad

When shes flat on her back in her room

How can she do what needs to be done

When shes a coward and a bleeder

The man if he marries will batter his child

And have endless excuses

The woman sadly will do much the same

Thinking that its right and its proper

Better than their mommy or their daddy did

Better than the childhood they suffered

The truth is theyre happier when theyre in pain

In fact, thats why they got married