A Love You Can't Survive — Richard Thompson

Now I remember the promise I gave you The night I shipped out as a peace volunteer As we sat holding hands in the Lamb and Flag tavern I swore I'd be back for you same time next year

But I killed a man in a Brazzaville street fight I tried to hold back, but he taunted me so 5 years till they freed me from that Brazzaville prison Out of boredom or pity, I never will know

Now I bear the stain The scar on my name I never can go back again

There's a love you can't survive And it burns you up inside

I sailed my boat into New Orleans harbour Tied up at the jetty, as bold as you please With a half-ton of charlie built in to the bulkhead Right under the noses of all them police

Now here I sit in my house on the mountain King of the clouds and all I survey There's women who are willing, and the law can't touch me Yours is the one face that won't go away