In the Yellow House (Album Version)

In the Yellow House - Michael Franks

No one knows the joy when you create

By definition something out of nothing

Colors canvas light

But Christ is the light Paul

The sunlight Vincent down in Arles

You painted mudes I painted flowers

We drank that cloudy absinthe all night long

And the women we loved were loose

When we lived in the yellow house

In the yellow house life was ideal

By definition something one imagine

Painters brothers friends

At least till the end came

Complete surprise attack of rage

A most peculiar place to shave

In time our fine companionship went wrong

But the pictures are living proof

Of our life in the yellow house

Ruined studio of the south

Three short months in the yellow house

I never knew that the malady was madness

Neither did I my friend it sneaks on you from behind

I believed your condition had improved

I was convinced that hard work

And our friendship would cure me

I was blind to your suffering forgive me

You always helped me when you could

You did your best at least your tried

But not enough to distract you from the end

A wheat field with crows and those cypresses in starry night

You painting sunflowers is how I remember you

Only my pistol can comfort this sadness tonight