Victim Or The Crime Lyrics - Dick's Picks, Vol. 17: Boston Garden 9/25/91 - Grateful Dead

Patience runs out on the junkie 

The dark side hires another soul 

Did he steal his fate or earn it? 

Was he force fed, did he learn it? 

Whatever happened to his precious self control? 

Like him, I'm tired of try'n to heal 

This tomcat heart with which I'm blessed 

Is destruction lovings twin? 

May I chose to lose or win? 

Maybe when my turn comes I will have guessed. 

These are the horns of the dilemma 

What truth this proof against all lies? 

When sacred fails before profane 

The wisest man is deemed insane 

Even the purest of romantics compromise. 

What fixation feeds this fever? 

As the full moon pales and climbs 

Am I living truth or rank deceiver? 

Am I the victim or the crime? 

Am I the victim or the crime? 

Am I the victim or the crime, or the crime? 

And so I wrestle with the angel 

To see who'll reap the seeds I sow 

Am I the driver or the driven? 

Will I be damned to be forgiven? 

Is there anybody here but me who needs to know? 

What it is that feeds this fever 

As the full moon pales and climbs 

Am I living truth or rank deceiver? 

Am I the victim or the crime? 

Am I the victim or the crime? 

Am I the victim or the crime, or the crime?