David Byrne Civilization Lyrics

Civilization Lyrics

Somewhere between the darkness and light

The faces all glow but it's not too bright

Civilization, it's all about knives and forks



Isn't she here? What time is it now?

Is this the right place? Do I fit with her crowd?

I'm gonna be a civilized man someday



Part of me wants to jump and shout

Part of me wants to tear it down

I thought you might prefer the Cabernet



Civilization, it's all about sex

Havin' a ball in a padded banquet

I'm gonna be that really cool guy someday



The waiter looks me over

Would you like cream or sugar?

I don't know, what was I supposed to say



She wonders if I'll notice

I should have brought some roses

Her plate is full, she hasn't eaten all day



Glasses collect, we order some booze

She looks at me, I stare at her shoes

Mature situations, maybe a broken heart



Maybe I ought to pay the bill

Maybe she thinks I never will

A million things that cross a woman's mind



Just be yourself, well that's what they say

And I barely know who I was yesterday

I'm gonna be that civilized guy someday



Good friends and conversations, the rise and fall of nations

A moments glory and they've had their day

And on my high school folder, I drew a big gorilla

Something familiar, something far, far away



Somewhere between the darkness and light

She touches my hand, she don't seem to mind

We can go home, we can be civilized