To See A Friend In Tears

So men are still at war in this land
 For certain songs and certain dates
 The tender gave way to the firebrand
 And Europe gave way to the States
 So now that money's all but scentless
 Noses and consciences are clear
 The pointless flowers can be dispensed with
 To see a friend in tears
 So our defeats are just reminders
 Of death that waits behind it all
 The body wilts before the mind does
 Surprised to see how soon it falls
 It's true our women have deceived us
 All hunted species disappear
 It's true we've shot the golden eagles
 To see a friend in tears
 It's true our cities are exhausted
 Made by and for the middle aged
 Our weakness gave them more than force did
 We thought that love could cure a toothache
 And in the underground we're drowning
 Accelerating through the years
 You think you'll find the truth by frowning
 To see a friend in tears
 It's true our mirrors don't show heroes
 We lack the courage to be Jews
 Without the elegance of Africa
 With our youthful fireworks all defused
 And all these men who are our brothers
 Wonder why we don't want to hear
 How their worst enemies are their lovers
 To see a friend in tears