"Praetorian Underground" lyrics - JOHN CALE

The Ministry of Music's having seconds thoughts again
About the past, ah-hah
To debate and reconsider the evidence at hand
That the destiny of music will corrupt the heart of man

[Chorus:]
Defend the fool, offend the fool, defend the fool, offend the fool
Pretend the fool will let you down

The world had Krakatoa, an arrogant attitude
What's left of Krakatoa was blown halfway across the world
Into the heart of music, into the heart of men
And angry Praetorian lovers rising up again

[Chorus:]
Offend the fool, defend the fool, pretend the fool, pretend the fool
Pretend the fool will let you down

[Guitar and Piano Solos]

You can spot the James Dean forgeries by their uncertain ways
Like the underground musicians, nonchalant beggars of the day
Attended to by those accustomed to the brighter path
Pretenders to the Praetorian flame, pretenders to the past

[Chorus:]
Offend the fool, offend the fool, offend the fools, offend the fools
A forgery will always let you down