The Passion - Billy Bragg

The fear of a daughter can run high

In the mind of a father to be

For something is growing inside

But we don’t talk about it, do we?

In the long empty passionless night

Many times to herself she has prayed

That the baby will love her much more

Than the big boy who stole her away

And sometimes it takes a grown man a long time to learn

Just what it would take a child a night to learn

And sometimes it takes a grown man a long time to learn

Just what it would take a child a night to learn

It pains her to know that some things will never be right

If the baby is just someone else to take sides in a fight

Harsh words between bride and groom

The distance is greater each day

He smokes alone in the next room

And she knits her life away

And sometimes it takes a grown man a long time to learn

Just what it would take a child a night to learn

And sometimes it takes a grown man a long time to learn

Just what it would take a child a night to learn

A long time ago she saw visions on the stairs

And when she felt dizzy, her mother was always there

The home help is no help at all

I have not committed a crime

Angels gaze down from the wall

Is there a God?

Is there a next time?