Elvis Costello Harpies Bizarre lyrics

He selects the plainest face form a spiteful row of girls
Elegant, insulted women, a flaw of cultured pearls
He drops a name or two, she fails to catch
At last he's met his match unspoiled and unaffected
He wants her so much

She puts up half hearted resistance, like she was taught to do
She's heard some of those small town playboys but this is something new
His promise seems dangerous, she'd like to believe
He says "You'd better leave, you've only got yourself to blame
Shame, or deceive"

The waiting lines are long, they never get too far
Everyone wearing that medal with pride, Harpies Bizarre


I looked on but hesitated, I failed to interrupt
You're so hard to tell the truth to, so easy to corrupt
I'll memorize your face, your tragic smile
The hurt look in your eyes as you betrayed yourself
To the part of him that dies

The waiting lines are long, they never get too far
They're shinin' up their shoes to kick a falling star
You think you should be somebody but you don't know who you are
Everyone wearing that medal with pride, Harpies Bizarre, Harpies Bizarre