Why Can't a Man Stand Alone?

Why Can't a Man Stand Alone? - Elvis Costello And The Attractions

Why can't a man stand alone

Must he be burdened by all that

He's taught to consider his own

His skin and his station

His kin and his crown

His flag and his nation

They just weigh him down

You know pride is a sin

That we tend to forgive

But it gets hard to live

When you don't have the love

In her heart to begin with

Why can't a man stand alone

Why can't a woman be just

What she seems

Must she be tarnished by

Men who can only be men in their dreams

When beauty meets ignorance

They shout in the street

Repeating their offer to each girl they meet

The respect that she needs it isn't a gift

But it gets hard to lift yourself up

When you don't have the

Strength to begin with

Why can't a woman stand alone

Why can't a baby sleep at

Night and dream of the time to come

And never fear the world

Outside the touch of someone very near

Why can't a man stand up

Why can't a man stand up

Why can't a man stand alone