Al Stewart

The Carmichaels

Al Stewart


Mr Carmichael says that he loves his wife 
I believe he does 
Gives her everything that a man can give 
But Mr Carmichael beggars himself on the altar 
Of his love 
And you can tell him that that's not the way to live 

And oh how the wind has blown 
The leaves from the linden tree 
And oh when the night grows free 
Why does Mrs Carmichael come to me? 

Mrs Carmichael rises at ten, takes her time 
Is at her ease 
Drinking coffee in slippers and negligee 
Opens the door and the milkman brings her dreams 
There's no-one sees 
Except the statue of Venus and she won't say 

And oh how the wind has blown 
The leaves from the linden tree 
And oh when the night grows free 
Why does Mrs Carmichael come to me? 

Oh Mr Carmichael, captain and star of his office 
Billiards team 
Smiles to greet the applause as his ball goes in 
Hurrying back, bringing his victory home but there's 
No-one here 
And supper waits on the table inside a tin 

And oh how the linden leaves 
Lie tossed as the night wind blows 
And struck in his silent pose 
Mr Carmichael weeps and there's no-one knows