Stoplight Roses

You've practiced and rehearsed it

But in your heart you know

It's too late

Experience should tell you:

Never get your story too straight

You'd better steel yourself

And prepare for

Some blues to descend

'Cause you've broken something this time

Stoplight roses can't mend

You've dusted off your shame face

In the mirror behind the bathroom door

That little-boy-lost look

That used to work so well

Doesn't anymore

If you believe your same-old used-to-be

Will see you through

You'll last about as long as stoplight roses do

Stoplight roses

In their sad array

Love's promise in cellophane lace

Or dead giveaway?

You'll need time to devise

A stylish plan

And you'll do it driving over to

The stoplight roses man

And if you believe your same-old used-to-be

Will see you through

You'll last about as long as stoplight roses do