The Passion Lyrics - Billy Bragg

Fear of a daughter runs high 

In the mind of the father-to-be 

For something is growing inside 

But we don't talk about it, do we? 

In the long empty passionless night 

Many times to herself she has prayed 

That the baby will love her much more 

Than the big boy who stole her away 

And sometimes it takes a grown man a long time to learn 

Just what it would take a child a night to learn 

And sometimes it takes a grown man a long time to learn 

Just what it would take a child a night to learn 

It pains her to know that some things will never be right 

If the baby is just someone else to take sides in the fight 

Harsh words between bride and groom 

The distance is greater each day 

He smokes alone in the next room 

And she knits her life away 

And sometimes it takes a grown man a long time to learn 

Just what it would take a child a night to learn 

And sometimes it takes a grown man a long time to learn 

Just what it would take a child a night to learn 

A long time ago she saw visions on the stairs 

And when she felt dizzy her mother was always there 

The home help is no help at all 

I have not committed a crime 

Angels gaze down from the wall 

Is there a God? Is there a next time?