Shoot yourself in the leg
& the goose lays the golden egg.
I had that golden egg before,
But it disappeared as I limped out the door.
Never reveal what you know
That the whole thing is just for show:
A cardboard world with painted skies,
Because we all must agree to believe in the lies.
Bring yourself down to your knees
& they'll give you the golden keys.
The keys will open any lock
To an empty room or a Chinese box.
I can forget how I feel
& pretend that it's all for real.
The pot won't call the kettle black
& I don't even feel the knife in my back.
& when we go off to our bed,
After struggling for our bread,
A pleasant dream may stand instead
Of the clamor & noise that goes on in your head.
So carry on like before
& don't listen to me any more.
Don't believe a word I sing
Because it's only a song & it don't mean a thing.