Joe Porterhouse by Elvis Costello Lyrics

[Verse 1]
The children sit upon the stairs
High above a valley of tears
Don't let them see you crying that way, oh no
Oh no, Joe Porterhouse
Is not gone forever, he'll be back another day
Don't let them see you crying that way

[Chorus]
Please don't wake him, let him sleep
It's a moment she can keep
Like an old bus ticket or a photograph
Resting on the mantlepiece
While for the wicked there is no peace
She says "It's not his time to go
Why, we were nearly lovers years ago"
Now what is left for me
Among the broken branches of the family tree?

[Verse 2]
Heart like an anchor, arms like cable
He stood all alone on an iron turntable
Don't let them see you crying that way, oh no
The sun beats down, it's cracking the flags
Boys who should know better are stamping out fags
Don't let them see you laughing that way
[Chorus]
Please don't wake him let him sleep
It's a moment she can keep
Like an old bus ticket or a photograph
Resting on the mantlepiece
While for the wicked there is no peace
She says "It's not his time to go
Why, we were nearly lovers years ago"
Now what is left for me
Among the broken branches of the family tree?

[Outro]
Oh no, Joe Porterhouse
Is not gone forever he'll be back another day
Don't let them see you crying that way