Why do we address each other
In these guarded tones
Mentally undress each other
In These Guarded Tones

Your intentions not yet clear
Hanging in the atmosphere
Is it friend or foe I hear
In These Guarded Tones

Choose your weapon, choose your words
In these guarded tones
Can’t be certain what you’ve heard
In These Guarded Tones

Everything that you’ve been taught
Causes you to mask the thought
Lies are taught and wars are fought
In These Guarded Tones

Pay no heed to words I say
Nuance – that’s where meanings lay.
Wrap the truths that burn and sting
In measured tones that say nothing.

Can’t offend those close to you
In these guarded tones
Be gentle with the stranger too
In these guarded tones

Though the truth was evident
You’ll still wonder what I meant
Now you call me arrogant
In These Guarded Tones

© JOEPIKETMUSIC 2005 (ASCAP)