The Chaconne

Now the bough breaks The books I read Said you were a fragile kid Just as I imagined it Your story goes: Another nosebleed Roses on the pillowcase The fever breaks And you're back on earth again You rehearse In the living room The nursemaid comes mid-afternoon To say "you've practiced long enough today" She takes your bow It's suppertime But oh, your only appetite Was fixed on the chaconne you'd hoped to play So soon you're off To the academy The honours And the accolades First a darling Then a marvel When we met I was still a young girl But you had changed, already famous Your name was a contagion You were vain and hard to take All the same, I was brazen How the tides rise I don't suppose you'd tell the truth So I won't ask you anymore All the things that we do To pass the time between the wars I don't regret a single day Heard your chaconne on every stage But your love sleeps in a velvet case So what'd you bring me for? What'd you bring me for? I hear you keep your pretty wife alive On only brie They say a dozen years ago She could have passed for me She doesn't trust you with the baby Maybe better that way Safe in your study Going grey You're at your best When you're alone Above the fray With your chaconne Now the bells toll