Black Buttons Lyrics

I watched the dust pile up around you
And your hands became so small
It was clear that year you were waiting
For way more than a call

You asked for smoke, you asked for silence
You rode 'round sofas stuffed with straw
While the sun burned through the curtains
All along that western wall
That scene became a ritual that fall

That same sun became a ghost
And when you see you don't believe
That anyone has any
Warmth left up their sleeve
Even your good blood gets dried up
It gets swept up with the leaves
To reveal some old graffiti we can't read

So put a shine on your black shoes
Push your black buttons through
I never knew what you could do to you
Well honey shine your black shoes

Oh you had some information
That you turned into a hymn
That you sang into the answering
Machines of all your friends
But they never got the message
For their ears are all of tin
We all write letters we never send

Well now the cyprus stands around you
And I hope that you feel safe
It's a painting from an auction
At some wasted old estate
Yeah they're always finding life
They never knew survived this place
And I hope the sunlight clears the branches to your face

'Cause when the clouds clear
The freezing winds come down that mountain's face
But there are streets we haven't walked
At night you can see this town from space

So put a shine on your black shoes
Push your black buttons through
I never knew what you could do to you
Oh honey shine your black shoes
Push your black buttons through
You never know what you can do for you