Tea and Sympathy lies near the end of Janis Ian’s masterpiece “Between the Lines.” With its references to formal culture and British sensibilities, Ian plays in “Sympathy” with ideas of decay and posture. Throughout the piece, a woman grieves the loss of her lover, which has left with her with no re...
[Verse 1]
I don't want to ride the milk train any more
I'll go to bed at nine and waken with the dawn
And lunch at half past noon
Dinner prompt at five
The comfort of a few old friends long past their prime
[Chorus]
Pass the tea and sympathy
For the good ol' days long gone
We'll drink a toast to those who most
Believe in what they've won
It's a long, long time 'til morning
Plays wasted on the dawn
I'll not write another line
For my true love is gone
[Verse 2]
When the guests have done I'll tidy up the rooms
I'll turn the covers down in gazing at the moon
I'll pray to go quite mad
And live in long ago
When you and I were one, so very long ago
[Chorus]
Pass the tea and sympathy
For the good ol' days long gone
Let's drink a toast to those who most
Believe in what they've won
It's a long, long time 'til morning
Plays wasted on the dawn
I'll not write another line
For my true love is gone
[Verse 3]
When I have no dreams to give you any more
I'll light a blazing fire and wait within the door
And throw my life away
"I wonder why?" they all will say
Now I lay me down to sleep forever and a day
[Chorus]
Pass the tea and sympathy
For the good ol' days are dead
Let's drink a toast to those who best
Survived the life they've led
It's a long, long time 'til morning
So build your fires high
Now I lay me down to sleep
Forever by your side
Tea and Sympathy was written by Janis Ian.
Tea and Sympathy was produced by Brooks Arthur.
Janis Ian released Tea and Sympathy on Sat Feb 01 1975.