Oh, my friend, I must admit I understand too well How you can write such tender songs and wear that diamond shell I see it happen far too much in this bleak world of ice That those of us once burned by touch do not attempt it twice Standing straight and forward on the fortress of the stage You etch emotion on my heart, and turn another page And though the songs are warm enough they never melt the snow That gathers in your eyes each time that you step down to go I know it doesn't matter, but I like you best without The shards of ice that pull and prod and tear your feelings out The glitter of your witty words that only slips away Each time a spotlight melts your heart, and you begin to play One day will it happen when I least expect it to That ices will creep up on me and turn my feelings blue And crystallize the patterns of my dealings with my friends Is that the way this journey I am taking always ends Oh, my friend, I must admit I understand too well How you can write such tender songs and wear that diamond shell I see it happen far too much in this bleak world of ice That those of us once burned by touch do not attempt it twice