Private Hell lyrics

Song information

Artist: The Jam
Album: Setting Sons

Lyrics

Closer than close - you see yourself -
A mirrored image - of what you wanted to be
As each day goes by - a little more -
You can't remember - what it was you wanted anyway
The fingers feel the lines - they prod the space -
Your ageing face - the face that once was so beautiful
Is still there but unrecognizable -
Private hell

The man who you once loved - is bald and fat -
And seldom in - working late as usual
Your interest has waned - you feel the strain -
The bed springs snap - on the occasions he lies upon you -
Close your eyes and think of nothing but -
Private hell

Think of emma - wonder what she's doing -
Her husband terry - and your grandchildren
Think of edward - who's still at college -
You send him letters - which he doesn't acknowledge
'Cause he don't care
They don't care
'Cause they're all going through their own - private hell

The morning slips away - in a valium haze
And catalogues - and numerous cups of coffee
In the afternoon - the weekly food
Is put in bags - as you float off down the high street

The shop windows reflect - play a nameless host
To a closet ghost - a picture of your fantasy -
A victim of your misery - and private hell

Alone at 6 o'clock - you drop a cup -
You see it smash - inside you crack -
You can't go on - but you sweep it up -

Safe at last inside your private hell
Sanity at last inside your private hell