CARNATION
(Paul Weller)
The Jam - 1982


If you gave me a fresh carnation
I would only crush it's tender petals
With me you'll have no escape
And at the same time there'll be nowhere to settle 

I trample down all life in my wake
I eat it up and take the cake
I just avert my eyes to the pain
Of someone's loss helping my gain

If you gave me a dream for my pocket
You'd be plugging in the wrong socket
With me there's no room for the future
With me there's no room with a view at all

I am out of season all year round
Hear machinery roar to my empty sound
Touch my heart and feel winter
Hold my hand and be doomed forever 

If you gave me a fresh carnation
I would only crush it's tender petals
With me you'll have no escape
And at the same time there'll be nowhere to settle.

And if you're wondering by now who I am
Look no further than the mirror 
Because I am the greed and fear
And every ounce of hate in you.