Elvis Costello - They’re Not Laughing At Me Now Lyrics

Tell me, how does it feel in the hour of deception
And the moment of pretend
To be scorned
By those rank and those unkind strangers
You were fool enough to call your friends?

Will you say, as the curtain descends
"They're not laughing at me now"

When the last of the garlands and laurel crowns
And fine bouquets have all been swept away
You were lost in the smokescreens and cavalcades and accolades
Instead of traitors paid
Well, will you find the courage to say
"They're not laughing at me now"

You could shake my hand
If I could unform my fist
If I were a gentleman
If I were a Christian
But I wouldn't risk it, why would you?
You know my name now, it's "Mister" to you

Now we're back at the start
No forgiveness in your heart
You turn your coat and ask me to turn my cheek
And it's all in a language
That I can understand but never bring myself to speak
I live to tell you
If you dare
It's a peal too appalling to bear
I, I, I wonder if you here or are you there
They're not laughing at me now

They're not laughing at me now

They're not laughing at me now

They're not laughing at him now