Closer than close - you see yourself -
A mirrored image - of what you wanted to be.
As each day goes by - a little more -
You can't remember - what it was you wanted anyway.
The fingers feel the lines - they prod the space -
Your ageing face - the face that once was so beautiful,
Is still there but unrecognizable -
Private hell.

The man who you once loved - is bald and fat -
And seldom in - working late as usual.
Your interest has waned - you feel the strain -
The bed springs snap - on the occasions he lies upon you -
Close your eyes and think of nothing but -
Private hell.

Think of emma - wonder what she's doing -
Her husband terry - and your grandchildren.
Think of edward - who's still at college -
You send him letters - which he doesn't acknowledge.
'cause he don't care,
They don't care.
'cause they're all going through their own - private hell.

The morning slips away - in a valium haze,
And catalogues - and numerous cups of coffee.
In the afternoon - the weekly food,
Is put in bags - as you float off down the high street

The shop windows reflect - play a nameless host,
To a closet ghost - a picture of your fantasy -
A victim of your misery - and private hell

Alone at 6 o'clock - you drop a cup -
You see it smash - inside you crack -
You can't go on - but you sweep it up -

Safe at last inside your private hell.
Sanity at last inside your private hell.

• All Mod Cons
• Big Bird
• Dreams of Children
• Going Underground
• In The Crowd
• It's Too Bad
• Private Hell
• Standards
• To Be Someone