"He's Given Me Things" lyrics - ELVIS COSTELLO

He's given me things you never would have
And if you did you'd want them back
Forgiven me things I didn't know that
I had done but just faded to black

He's given me time and consolation
Some verses to read and lines to say

I will stay here for a while now
He calls me child now but it works that way

He's given me things you couldn't guess at
I don't mean jewels although they were fine
A way to depart, one way to enter
A right to dismiss upon a whim

When I close the door and you're supposing
I kick up my heels and then I scream

"Why was I chosen?"
You'll never know what I give to him

[Bridge:]
He's given me things you never thought of
Because they were not yours to give
So take this pill and tranquilize
And roll your eyes at the husbands, not the customers' wives

He's forgiven me trials and tears and tantrums
And even all my false alarms
You sat there amused while I was crying
And just seemed to sigh but that's what money can buy

And now I know why I come back to him
And now I know why you'll never do

Who are you out there with one penny
You are so many and we are so few

So cover the canvas if you're leaving
There's a bowl in the hallway to wash your hands
If the water runs black please leave some silver
Then step past the glass and never come back
I'm living up here and you can see me
Yes, you can look but you can't touch
'Cause you don't belong, the air is thin here
You may asphyxiate, my dear

For didn't you tell me "You should hold me
Oh please, you must hold me as if I were hung"

To think you were exciting
When love was frightening but I was so young

[Outro:]
He's given me things you never dreamed of
Where hopes are dashed and trash is praised
He has an awful lot of money
The past can be bought and then erased