we can write the chapters of existence starting now
starting now, we'll throw it all down
i can see the shadows in the water on the ground, on the ground
they follow me around

behind every story there's a quick end
behind every smile there's a clown
to understand it i guess i'd have to be a dead man trying not to laugh out loud

i can hear a lonely operator on the phone, on the phone
she can't call home
overseas burned to third degree and the collection plate's been passed and received by me
i wish i could tell you, all you children, why you're here, why you're here
we'd all sing along
isn't that something 'cause there is no knowing 'til you're gone
when i'm gone i'll prove you all wrong

behind every woman there's a good man trying not to bug the hell out
to understand it guess i'd have to be a dead man trying not to laugh out loud

no don't take me under

behind every story there's a quick end
behind every smile there's a clown
to understand it i guess i'd have to be a dead man trying not to laugh out
behind every woman there's a good man trying not to bug the hell out
to understand it, guess i'd have to be a dead man trying not to laugh out loud
trying not to laugh out loud
trying not to laugh out loud