She said your singing is a sin she went right for my throat
She tore for my vocal chords, she ripped my shirt and my coat
I wish you could find more use for your time
Where should I begin
I know that patience can wear thin
I thought that waiting came quite naturally
But one chose to leave early
Slow down
Slow down

It's obvious he had no energy to stand and fight
I guess there are people out there who need the end in sight
A stretch for the best chair, the front row for the last air
Another case of suicide
I am ashamed he never tried
My father found him at age 5
Well can't you see I can't slow down
Slow down

Forget all your pastimes
Leave them and all behind
It's quite clear to us there's no plan
I'll beat all the odds
Just prop my neck with steel rods
I'll die a stark raving old man
I may be scraping by
I've heard it a few times
Serve a plate passed straight down the row
I'll swallow it down
Coat my throat with the best sounds
I'll go where all great mad men go

She said don't you dare start to compare you're going somewhere
I never said that I could fix this or that it was fair
We don't speak of your house I guess it's best you've gone south
Never stop to hesitate
I'll make it through another day
I'm going on my separate way
I won't follow you or slow down
Slow down

Forget all your pastimes
Leave them and all behind
It's quite clear to us there's no plan
I'll beat all the odds
Just prop my neck with steel rods
I'll die a stark raving old man
I may be scraping by
I've heard it a few times
Serve a plate passed straight down the row
I'll swallow it down
Coat my throat with the best sounds
I'll go where all great mad men go

Forget all your pastimes
Leave them and all behind
It's quite clear to us there's no plan
I'll beat all the odds
Just prop my neck with steel rods
I'll die a stark raving old man
I may be scraping by
I've heard it a few times
Serve a plate passed straight down the row
I'll swallow it down
Coat my throat with the best sounds
I'll go where all great mad men go