RICHARD THOMPSON lyrics - Why Do You Turn Your Back?

(Richard Thompson)



When you were helpless, before you knew

He gave you shelter until you grew

He kept you secret, then he gave you a name

You drank from a river, you slept in the hay



You grew up running, into the wind

You grew up fighting a war you'd never win

Against a foe you'd never seen

Pretending to be what you'd never been



Why do you turn your back on your best friend?

Why do you turn your back on the one who loves you?

Why do you turn your back on your best friend?

The only one who ever really cared

The only one who ever really cared



When you were burning, the sky would pour

When you were drowning, he threw you ashore

He saved your life, o just to be

The one who turned back his enemy



And now you're like a bolted door

No-one can change the lock, your palace is secure

You're the king and the prisoner

But don't you hear the knocking at the door?



Why do you turn your back on your best friend?

Why do you turn your back on the one who loves you?

Why do you turn your back on your best friend?

The only one who ever really cared

The only one who ever really cared



And now you falter, afraid to live

And now you hold back, afraid to be the giver

And do you ever think

Of the friend who gave you gifts like a river?



Why do you turn your back on your best friend?

Why do you turn your back on the one who loves you?

Why do you turn your back on your best friend?

The only one who ever really cared

The only one who ever really cared

Why do you turn your back on your best friend?