Someone Else's Ears

For three months in '92 when I was such a wreck
I spent endless evenings with my face draped against your neck
It hurt when I was empty and friends just turned away
It was you who chose to stay

And helped me heal, pieced me back into a whole
Now it's you who is aching and needs to be consoled
But can't you see I'm happy now?
I don't want to sit and watch you cry
I wish you'd keep it all inside

Yes you're in anguish, do you think that you're the first?
Since when am I indentured to be your private nurse?
Maybe this callousness is a form of love that I extend
Because I know if you face the hurt alone you'll be stronger in the end
So don't play off my conscience like I should wipe away your tears
Just let your burdens fall on someone else's ears

I don't know how long I can sit with you this time
The suffering in your live shrouds the joy in mine
So maybe you should just call me when this sadness finally ends
and you're ready to laugh again

Spare me the drama, do you think that you're the first?
Since when am I indentured to be your private nurse?
Sometimes detachment is the thing we need the most
And if you'd consider me you'd veil this pain you host
So don't play off my conscience like
I should help you through your fears
Just let your burdens fall on someone else's ears

Because tonight a hundred pretty people were waiting in a line
to wash away the guilt you gave me,
they said the concert was sublime
While you were shaking in some corner
with your spirit ripped in half
I was backstage fielding praise and signing autographs

So if you want my attention, you'd better join the crowd and cheer
And let your burdens fall on someone else's ears
For three months in '92 when I was such a wreck
I spent endless evenings with my face draped against your neck