That Time of the Night (The Short Straw)

[Intro]
It was a wedding ring
Destined to be found in a cheap hotel
Lost in a kitchen sink
Or thrown in a wishing well

[Guitar Solo: Steve Rothery]

[Verse 1]
At that time of the night
When streetlights throw crosses through window frames
Paranoia roams where the shadows reign
Oh, at that time of the night

At that time of the night
Your senses tangled in some new perfume
Criticism triggers of a loaded room
Oh, at that time of the night

[Chorus]
So if you ask me
How do I feel inside
I could honestly tell you
We've been taken on a very long ride

And if my owners
Let me have some free time some day
With all good intention
I would probably run away
Clutching the short straw

[Verse 2]
At that time of the night
When questions rally in an open mind
Summon all your answers with an ice cube chime
Oh, at that time of the night

At that time of the night
Pretend you're off the hook with the telephone
Your confidence wounded in a free fire zone
Oh, at that time of the night

[Chorus]
So if you ask me
Where do I go from here
My next destination
Even isn't really that clear

So if you join me
And get on your knees and prey
I'll show you salvation
We'll take the alternative way
Clutching the short straw

[Bridge]
If I had enough money I'd buy a round for that boy over there
A companion in my madness in the mirror the one with the silvery hair
And if some kind soul could please pick up my tab
And while they're at it if they could pick up my broken heart

[Outro]
Warm wet circles
Warm wet circles
Warm wet circles

Warm wet circles
Warm wet circles
Warm wet circles
Warm wet circles