Elvis Costello The First To Leave lyrics

I should open with a kiss for if you're reading this
You must have opened up your case
And found this letter where I placed it
In between the silk and lace

There were other clues like your walking shoes
But I still refused to believe
That you were meant to be the first to leave

Everybody here sends you their love
How could I forget you still walk above or below
Perhaps you'll never know this purgatory
We never could agree there's a thought, there's a pause
No time to repent, eternally yours in a permanent lent


But if I should give you up
If you're right and life just stops
And I never see your face again
Then from unearthly pleasures, proud and plain
I shall abstain

Till you realize, my loss is your surprise
Unless you know otherwise then don't grieve
You see I had to be the first to leave