Charm Alone by Peter Hammill Lyrics

This public face I'm prepared to wear
My private thoughts, I keep them all well hidden
I set myself up for a fall
It was all that I owned
So I relied on my charm alone

I backed away from the untoward
I'd stacked the odds, I thought, in my favour
The tables turned, it's all given away
He who pays for the piper
Gets to call in the loans
You don't get far on your charm alone

Over and over
Again and again
I'd play it by ear
Till the short straw was drawn
Then lie in the bed
I'd made my own
A lucky man trusting charm alone
I took you into my confidence
I bared my soul in all my doubt and weakness
I never thought I'd be overheard -
My words were meant for your ears alone
I revealed all my secrets
So my cover was blown
In whispered words through a megaphone

Inaction and motive
In practised behaviour
I sought out advancement
I thought I was blessed
I thought I was special
But now nothing's left

And so I sold my soul
I bought the farm -
You only get so far on your charm alone