Lyrics

Ticket to the Game

I had to look it up, how you tie a noose
This living room’s the perfect spot, can’t beat this penthouse view
I’ll tell you my sad tale and how it all ends here
Guess I’ve been working on this rope nearly twenty years

I studied for the priesthood, But I was good at sales
When it comes to savin’ souls, it’s fair to say I failed
I had a taste for finer things, things with expensive names
I traded in those vows for a ticket to the game

I bought into the market, watched how the big boys play
Learned how to cook the books, how to look the other way
Robbed Peter to pay Paul and the cash kept rolling in
Turns out the gods I prayed to rewards you for your sins

I always thought I’d go legit, soon came to realize
The ticket that I purchased was a one way ride.
Once you’re in, you’re in for keeps, ain’t no turning round
‘till your house of cards tumbles to the ground

Dear wife please forgive me forgive me for the lies
For what I’ve done to our good name, the shame that never dies
Sell the diamonds on your finger, the chateau in Marseilles
The kids’ll find out how this fairy tale ends today

The sun is disappearing, behind the cityscape
The Feds are banging on the door, the chair begins to shake
I left this note for you my friend, you who love champagne
I hope the Cartier’s worth the price you’ll pay
for your ticket to the game.

© P. Rosenberg/J. Paris