"Tears At The Birthday Party" lyrics - ELVIS COSTELLO & BURT BACHARACH

Think back now when we were young
There were always tears at the birthday party
You know how children can be so cruel
That's how it starts, but

[Pre-Chorus:]
What if we never learn how to behave?
I did something and you never forgave me
I never thought that it could be like this
But now I see
I see you share your cake with him
Unwrapping presents that I should have sent
What can I do? Must I watch you

[Chorus:]
Close the door, dim the lights, blow out the candles
So Happy Birthday again

And it's the same every year
Seems that I remember it as something more, but
You know how children can grow so strange
I still adore you

[Pre-Chorus:]
What if we never learn from our mistakes?
But then you'll never know how my heart aches
I never thought that it would be like this
But now I see, I see you share your cake with him
Unwrapping presents that I should have sent
What can I do? Must I watch you

[Chorus:]
Close the door, dim the lights, blow out the candles
So Happy Birthday again
(Close the door, dim the lights, blow out the candles
So Happy Birthday again)

One day I know he'll forget
To pay you the compliments you're after
You'll hang your sad, aching head
Behind a brittle smile or a shrill of laughter

[Pre-Chorus:]
What if we only get what we deserve?
Somehow I couldn't quite summon the nerve
Upon each anniversary, then do you ever think of me?
Unwrapping presents that I should have sent
What can I do? Must I watch you

[Chorus/Outro]
Close the door, dim the lights, blow out the candles
So Happy Birthday again
(Close the door, dim the lights, blow out the candles)
So Happy Birthday again
Close the door, dim the lights, blow out the candles
So Happy Birthday again
Close the door, dim the lights, blow out the candles
So Happy Birthday again