First We Take Manhattan
R.E.M. (Leonard Cohen) Lyrics

They sentenced me to twenty years of boredom
I was punished with a long period of dullness

For trying to change the system from within
As I attempted to revolutionize the establishment from within

I'm coming now, I'm coming to reward them
I'm returning to recompense them for their mistreatment

First we take Manhattan, then we take Berlin
Our initial objective is to conquer Manhattan, then we move on to Berlin

I'm guided by a signal in the heavens (guided, guided)
I'm being led by a sign from the celestial heavens

I'm guided by this birthmark on my skin (guided, guided by)
My conduct is influenced by a birthmark on my flesh

I'm guided by the beauty of our weapons (guided)
I'm inspired by the splendor of our weapons

(I'd really like to live beside you, baby)
(I desire to reside beside you, dear)

(I love your body and your spirit and your clothes)
(I adore your physique, disposition, and attire)

(But you see that line there moving through the station?)
(But do you observe that line proceeding through the station?)

(I told you, I told you, told you, I was one of those)
(I informed you that I'm one of those individuals)

Ah, you loved me as a loser
In the past, you cherished me despite my ineptitude

But now you're worried that I just might win
However, you're apprehensive that I may succeed

You know the way to stop me, but you don't have the discipline
You're aware of how to impede me, but you lack the self-control

How many nights I prayed for this, to let my work begin
I pleaded for many nights for this opportunity to embark on my work

I don't like your fashion business, mister
I don't approve of your fashion enterprise, sir

And I don't like these drugs that keep you thin
Additionally, I disapprove of these drugs that maintain your slim figure

I don't like what happened to my sister
Furthermore, I'm displeased with what occurred to my sibling

And I thank you for those items that you sent me, ha ha ha
I express gratitude for those items you dispatched to me, haha

The monkey and the plywood violin
Namely, the primate and the instrument constructed of thin layers of wood

I practiced every night, now I'm ready
I rehearsed every evening, and now I am prepared

Ah remember me, I used to live for music (baby)
Ahh, reminisce about me - I formerly lived for music (dear)

Remember me, I brought your groceries in (ooh, baby, yeah)
Recall how I brought you your groceries (oh, dear, yes)

Well, it's Father's Day and everybody's wounded (baby)
Today is Father's Day and everyone is injured (darling)