The Left Banke — Barterers and Their Wives

[Verse 1] Barterers and their wives Barterers and their wives Trading, fading, taking, breaking Barter away their lives [Verse 2] Crowding the city gates Shunning the master’s fate Low decisions they envision Cleaning the pauper's plates [Refrain] In the marketplace changing commonplace friends Come to banter on odds to meet their own ends [Verse 3] Barterers hold their own Pinching on what they loan After seeding, people pleading Spending the heat alone [Refrain] Who will sacrifice pride for being nice game? He’s in season, and that’s the reason he came [Verse 4] Barterers and their trade Lately fall back to fade Every evening, packing, leaving Counting on what they’ve made [Refrain] Wifely cooking will keep them looking their best As they smile and set out beguiling with jest [Verse 4] Barterers and their wives Barterers and their wives Trading, fading, taking, breaking Barter away their lives