They're Not Laughing At Me Now lyrics - Elvis Costello

Tell me, how does it feel?

In the hour of deception and the moment of pretend

To be scorned by those rank and those unkind strangers

You were fool enough to call your friends

Will you say as the curtain descends?

"They're not laughing at me now"

When the last of the garlands and laurel crowns

And fine bouquets have all been swept away

You were lost in the smokescreens of cavalcades

And accolades instead of traitor's pay

Where will you find the courage to say?

"They're not laughing at me now"

You could shake my hand

If I could unfold my fist

If I were a gentleman

If I were a Christian

But I wouldn't risk it

Why would you?

You know my name now

And it's "Mister" to you

Now we're back at the start, no forgiveness in your heart

You turned your coat and asked me to turn my cheek

And it's all in a language

That I can understand but never bring myself to speak

I'll leave it to you, if you dare

It's a peal too appalling to bear

I wonder if you're here or you're there

They're not laughing at me now

They're not laughing at me now

They're not laughing at me now