Elvis Costello - This Sad Burlesque lyrics

I write in hopes that 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 This sad burlesque With miserable failures making entertainment of our fate Laughter cannot dignify of elevate This sad burlesque Now can they recall being young and idealistic Before wading knee-deep in hogwash and arithmetic The pitying smirk The argument runs like clockwork Will run down eventually and splutter to a stop 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 Keep faith in human nature And have mercy on the creatures in this sad burlesque