Why Must I Plead

Richard Thompson

All your bitterness and lies

Sting like tears in my eyes

And a thousand love-sick tunes

Won't wash away the wounds from my mind

You've been seen around, you're a new sensation

You got a better deal, and you took his invitation

You've been sitting on his lap and taking his dictation



Oh but mercy, we used to love all day and drive all night

Oh mercy, jealousy used to whet your appetite

Oh mercy, we were low as dogs and high as kites

Why must I plead with you darling

Why must I plead with you darling

Why must I plead with you darling

For what's already mine



Well my friends are indiscreet

And I sing myself to sleep

I don't mind the red wine

Or the pick-up line as long as it's cheap

Oh I ask you what's what and you say I'm all yours

I ask who your friend is and you say it's Santa Claus

I ask you to come home,

You say you're tired of being indoors



Oh but mercy, you know you signed on that dotted line

Oh mercy, you signed yours and I signed mine

Oh mercy, you said forever till the end of time

Oh why must I plead with you darling

Why must I plead with you darling

Oh why must I plead with you darling

For what's already mine

I said why must I plead with you darling

For what's already mine