This Sad Burlesque

[Verse 1]

I write in hope by the time you get this letter

We may live to see a change for the better

Or are we so devoted to these wretched selfish motives

When the cold facts and figures all add up

They cannot contradict this sad burlesque

[Chorus]

This sad burlesque

With miserable failures making entertainment of our fate

Laughter cannot dignify or elevate

This sad burlesque

[Bridge]

Now can they recall being young and idealistic

Before wading knee-deep in hogwash and arithmetic

The pitying smirk

The argument that runs like clockwork

Will run down eventually and splutter to a stop

[Verse 3]

P.S. Well by now you know the worst of it

And we've heard all the alibis that they've rehearsed

The smug predictions

If it's not a contradiction

Please have faith in human nature

And have mercy on the creatures in this sad burlesque

[Chorus]

This sad burlesque

With miserable failures making entertainment of our fate

Laughter cannot dignify or elevate

This sad burlesque