David Byrne › Lyrics › Civilization

Somewhere between the darkness and light
The faces all glow but it's not too bright
Civilization, it's all about knives and forks

Isn't she here? What time is it now?
Is this the right place? Do I fit with her crowd?
I'm gonna be a civilized man someday

Part of me wants to jump and shout
Part of me wants to tear it down
I thought you might prefer the Cabernet

Civilization, it's all about sex
Havin' a ball in a padded banquet
I'm gonna be that really cool guy someday

The waiter looks me over
Would you like cream or sugar?
I don't know, what was I supposed to say

She wonders if I'll notice
I should have brought some roses
Her plate is full, she hasn't eaten all day

Glasses collect, we order some booze
She looks at me, I stare at her shoes
Mature situations, maybe a broken heart

Maybe I ought to pay the bill
Maybe she thinks I never will
A million things that cross a woman's mind

Just be yourself, well that's what they say
And I barely know who I was yesterday
I'm gonna be that civilized guy someday

Good friends and conversations, the rise and fall of nations
A moments glory and they've had their day
And on my high school folder, I drew a big gorilla
Something familiar, something far, far away

Somewhere between the darkness and light
She touches my hand, she don't seem to mind
We can go home, we can be civilized