Take a selfish lover for a while
And apply the tricks you learn to all you love
Convince yourself the research was worthwhile
And file it under "N" for "No harm done"

Lie with a smile in your eyes if you can
These are the things that will make you a man

There is nothing inconsistent (about a lie?)
He can never change the course on which he's set
Decisions in the white heat of desire
Think nothing of the bitter cold regret

And sins of the father will wake in the son
Till you can't count the cost of the damage you've done

These are the things that will make you a man
Oh how can I tell you how sorry I am?

I took a selfish lover, no harm done
Forgetting all the gentle love she gave
The single indiscretion weighed a tonne
And it pushed our little boat beneath the waves