Charm Alone

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 own 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 played it by ear 'til the short straw was drawn, then

Lie in the bed I 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

In action and motive, in practiced 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