The children sit upon the stairs
High above a valley of tears
Don't let them see you crying that way oh no

Oh no Joe Porterhouse
Is not gone forever
He'll be back another day

Don't let them see you crying that way

[Chorus:]

Please don't wake him let him sleep
It's a moment she can keep
Like an old bus ticket or a photograph

Resting on the mantlepiece
While for the wicked there is no peace
She says it's not his time to go

Why we were nearly lovers years ago
Now what is left for me
Among the broken branches of the family tree


Heart like an anchor
Arms like cable

He stood all alone on an iron turntable
Don't let them see you crying that way oh no


The sun beats down
It's cracking the flags
Boys who should know better

Are stamping out !@$)s
Don't let them see you laughing that way


[Chorus]

Oh no Joe Porterhouse

Is not gone forever
He'll be back another day
Don't let them see you crying that way