Everybody Lies

Everybody Lies

Everybody lies when they pay the taxman;
Everybody prays like a cornered rat.
Everybody lies when they're asked the question;
Everybody lies, "No you don't look fat."
Everybody lies when they're asked for money;
Hungry and the sick are out of luck.
It's no surprise
That everybody lies.

Everybody lies when they sit in Congress;
Everybody pads their expense account.
Everybody lies when they send the soldiers;
Everybody lies when the death tolls mount.
Everybody lies to choir boys kneeling;
They say they must obey the priest.
There is no prize
When everybody lies.

Everybody lies when they get that phone call;
Everybody lies, "check is in the mail."
Everybody says things are getting better;
Everybody fears that the plan will fail.
Everybody lies that we'll have a pension;
It's spent by an investment crook.
Hear wailing cries
When everybody lies.

Everybody lies to the little children;
Everybody lies about Santa Claus.
Everybody lies about what's in heaven;
Everybody lies because, just because.
Everybody lies about healthy eating;
Everybody's nose is getting long.
Want that with fries?
'Cause everybody dies.




Notes: This poem is based loosely on the music of Leonard Cohen's song "Everybody Knows"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wh9AC0jCGjY

29 November 2009: Won Honorable Mention in the 60th Traditional Poetry Contest
Thanks Monty