Elvis Costello - "Rope" lyrics

Down by the harbourside

A boat is fastened by a length of rope.
It was a perfect match,

Dreaming of escape,

Feeling almost detached.
Look beneath the waves -

The seabirds diving down into black water.

The morning bells begin,

Schoolchildren chant and spin.
A length of rope

Below a hanging tree,

Like cruel secrets some of us turn out to be.

Should our love increase,

We are all released like statues from marble.

While in a prison yard,
They're taking turns to guard

A length of rope.

Picking up a thread and then stretching it tight.

Are you too weak to fight'

Look beneath the waves -

The seabirds diving down into black water.
Still our love increased,

We are all released like statues from marble.