Someone Else's Ears

For three months in '92 when I was such a wreck

I spent endless evenings with my face draped against your neck

It hurt when I was empty and friends just turned away

It was you who chose to stay

And helped me heal, pieced me back into a whole

Now it's you who is aching and needs to be consoled

But can't you see I'm happy now?

I don't want to sit and watch you cry

I wish you'd keep it all inside

Yes you're in anguish, do you think that you're the first?

Since when am I indentured to be your private nurse?

Maybe this callousness is a form of love that I extend

Because I know if you face the hurt alone you'll be stronger in the end

So don't play off my conscience like I should wipe away your tears

Just let your burdens fall on someone else's ears

I don't know how long I can sit with you this time

The suffering in your live shrouds the joy in mine

So maybe you should just call me when this sadness finally ends

and you're ready to laugh again

Spare me the drama, do you think that you're the first?

Since when am I indentured to be your private nurse?

Sometimes detachment is the thing we need the most

And if you'd consider me you'd veil this pain you host

So don't play off my conscience like

I should help you through your fears

Just let your burdens fall on someone else's ears

Because tonight a hundred pretty people were waiting in a line

to wash away the guilt you gave me,

they said the concert was sublime

While you were shaking in some corner

with your spirit ripped in half

I was backstage fielding praise and signing autographs

So if you want my attention, you'd better join the crowd and cheer

And let your burdens fall on someone else's ears

For three months in '92 when I was such a wreck

I spent endless evenings with my face draped against your neck