15 Petals

Fifteen petals One for every year I spent with you Jewels and precious metals will never do I love you twisted And I love you straight I'd write it down but I can't concentrate Words don't me obey they do as they please And all I am left with is these Fifteen petals One for every year I spent with you Jewels and precious metals will never do The thorn is blunted And the perfume will fade I stand where sun is set I crave the shade Down in the tavern with Mary and Joe Palms reached for alms as they throw Fifteen petals One for every hour that we're apart Tears and useless battles I'll never start Mussolini highway There's a frankincense tree I picked some up there to carry with me You take me to places where I never go I love you more than you know Fifteen petals Scattered in the path where you will tread Fifteen petals Of vivid red One wine bar vamp with the polythene face Ein Panzer Kommander with no hair in place The crooked battalions drilled holes in the square --- 15 Petals - Elvis Costello