I've been eating the fare of the wicked men under the guise of sophistication,
It's poisoned my senses and my sight needs correction,
It's bad for my bowels and my general complexion.

It's been my staple for so many years,
It's hard to taste the wine when you're drunk on the tears,
It's hard to taste the wine when you're drunk on the tears.

Hey, we got new ways to treat the soul that succumbs: electroshock and valium,
In the twentieth century you don't need salvation; we got chemists dedicated to your recreation.

It's been my staple for so many years,
It's hard to taste the wine when you're drunk on the tears,
It's hard to taste the wine when you're drunk on the tears.

Nicole works the streets for twelve hours a day; she don't charge much for what she'll trade away,
In a few short years her business will fade - that's what happens with the tools of the trade.

It's been my staple for so many years,
It's hard to taste the wine when you're drunk on the tears,
Hard to taste the wine when you're drunk on the tears.

Jim