Standing under the lamplight 
In one of the nicer parts of hell 
Behold this dreamer with rich red ruby lips 
Some pay for the privilege 
And some just pay to talk 
Because there are many sides to the night 

When Father Thomas lies sleeping 
His ever watchful sons 
Divide up the spoils of the day's takings 
A woman's work is never ever done 
She's a child a slave a teacher and a fool 
And then she vanishes from sight 
Did no one ever tell you 
There are many sides to the night 

Standing under the lamplight 
Selling perfume sweetcorn and lace 
She looks beautiful from a distance 
But it's too dark to see her face 
I do it for my child alone 
And who would say it's just not right 
Verily I say unto you 
There are many sides to the night