Lyrics

painted lady

you couldn't relate to the mother, the father or the younger brother
but if you wanted her as your lover, the family would have to come too
and the piece of your mind that you gave her, didn't bring you peace of mind
she asks for a drink and as soon as you blink she has gone

she's all black hair and dark eyes, with a talent for hiding agendas
lashes flutter and she smiles, convincingly loving and tender but wait
your painted lady turns out to be no more than a sketch

well the restaurant must have been crowded that night
and the words must be hard to recite
with the wine and brandy and the waiter's tips
and the bonne maman on her lips

and her black hair and dark eyes, and you'll always be in her debt
lashes flutter and she whispers sweet nothings that all sound like threats
and your painted lady turns out to be no more

than a brush stroke away from a brilliant display
will we see the fake when we turn on the x-rays?
a grand old mistress exposed as a fraud
did she give you more than just bed and board?

did she give you black eyes and dark thoughts that should never reach the light of day
lashes flutter and she whispers, I won't let you stand in my way
and your painted lady was scratching an itch
your painted lady, she's such a bitch
your painted lady turns out to be no more than a sketch
no more than a sketch, nothing more, nothing less

© J Jackson 2000