Elvis Costello — Burn the Paper Down to Ash

[Intro] I made my way I made my promise To make my name And not turn back. I wrote it all down Read it out loud Said all my prayers Tried to be proud So I signed it in black [Chorus] Tear out the page Let my new taker Smooth out the sheet Tossed in the trash That's not enough So burn the paper Down to ash [Verse 1] I'm not one of those who likes to go losing her head. I would rather stay at home with a good book instead. I'm not a madam or a maiden. I cut the strings from my apron. I cook my breakfast for myself. Mister, please don't be mistaken. There are some lines in golden letters That touched my heart; I let them touch. My head was turned through several verses As I forgot some sound advice. [Chorus] So all these things That he thinks worthless Just dreams to drown And hopes to dash Are not enough, Let's burn the paper Down to ash. [Verse 2] I'm not one of those who likes to go losing her mind. Or her dignity; at least not to any old kind. I've been learning ever since I was a girl I was convinced I wasn't into velvet Please don't take me for a spinster [Bridge] But there's the clue A hint of danger A scent of scandal And of shame And if I tremble It's in anger Some reckless impulse That I must tame. [Chorus] Tear out the page Let me escape now. Smooth out the sheet Tossed in the trash. That's not enough Let's burn the paper Down to ash. That's not enough Let's burn the paper Down to ash.