Private Hell

By The Jam

On Setting Sons

Released on November 16, 1979

5K Views

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Closer than close - you see yourself -

A mirror image of what you wanted to be

As each day goes by - a little more -

You can't remember - what it was you wanted anyway

The fingers feel the lines - they prod the space -

Your ageing face - the face that once was so beautiful

Is still there but unrecognizable -

Private Hell

The man that you once loved - is bald and fat -

And seldom in - working late as usual

Your interest has waned - you feel the strain -

The bed springs snap - on the occasions he lies upon you -

Close your eyes and think of nothing but -

Private Hell

Think of Emma - wonder what she's doing -

Her husband Terry - and your grandchildren

Think of Edward - still at college

You send him letters which he doesn't acknowledge

'Cause he don't care

They don't care

'Cause they're all going through their own - Private Hell

The morning slips away - in a valium haze

And catalogues - and numerous cups of coffee

In the afternoon - the weekly food

Is put in bags - as you float off down the high street

The shop windows reflect - play a nameless host

To a closet ghost - a picture of your fantasy -

A victim of your misery - and Private Hell

Think of Emma - wonder what she's doing -

Her husband Terry - and your grandchildren

Think of Edward - still at college

You send him letters which he doesn't acknowledge

'Cause he don't care

They don't care

'Cause they're all going through their own - Private Hell

Private Hell

Alone at 6 o'clock - you drop a cup -

You see it smash - inside you crack -

You can't go on - but you sweep it up -

Safe at last inside your Private Hell

Sanity at last inside your Private Hell

Sanity at last inside your Private Hell

Private Hell

REPEAT TO FADE