Charm Alone - Peter Hammill

This public face I’m prepared to wear

My private thoughts, I keep them all well hidden

I set myself up for a fall

It was all that I owned

So I relied on my charm alone

I backed away from the untoward

I’d stacked the odds, I thought, in my favour

The tables turned, it’s all given away

He who pays for the piper

Gets to call in the loans

You don’t get far on your charm alone

Over and over

Again and again

I’d play it by ear

Till the short straw was drawn

Then lie in the bed

I’d made my own

A lucky man trusting charm alone

I took you into my confidence

I bared my soul in all my doubt and weakness

I never thought I’d be overheard —

My words were meant for your ears alone

I revealed all my secrets

So my cover was blown

In whispered words through a megaphone

Inaction and motive

In practised behaviour

I sought out advancement

I thought I was blessed

I thought I was special

But now nothing’s left

And so I sold my soul

I bought the farm —

You only get so far on your charm alone