The Pessimist's Companion Video (MV)

Every morning when I'd take my walk
I sat upon a throne of straw and watched the sea as it kissed the shore
I would say I'd feel detached
But unless you've read Oliver Sacks you may well misinterpret that
And I don't mean to assume
I've just made that mistake before
To become immune you first must be infected
Their reactions are not to be predicted
Oh, if I'd known where the wind would turn
Would it have even made the slightest bit of a difference?
I assume we both know it isn't really war
This road leads up, up, up
This road leads down
Can I just stay right here with you around?
When his time is up, up, so abrupt
They bring the gavel down
Can I just stay right here with you around?
You and I are justified
Feeling peaceful deep inside where my ambition used to hide
Where my aggression now resides
But even momentary peace is a glimpse through cleaner glass
Of what might come to pass
I don't mean to assume but I must have served my time
In this barren stretch of bleak incarceration
Those seasons spent in deviation sown
To the icy, lifeless ground
Could it be they show timely shift in fortune?
Is this the point where we throw the burden down?
(chorus)