Al Stewart - The Carmichaels

Mr Carmichael says that he loves his wife


I believe he does


Gives her everything that a man can give


But Mr Carmichael beggars himself on the altar


Of his love


And you can tell him that that's not the way to live





And oh how the wind has blown


The leaves from the linden tree


And oh when the night grows free


Why does Mrs Carmichael come to me?





Mrs Carmichael rises at ten, takes her time


Is at her ease


Drinking coffee in slippers and negligee


Opens the door and the milkman brings her dreams


There's no-one sees


Except the statue of Venus and she won't say





And oh how the wind has blown


The leaves from the linden tree


And oh when the night grows free


Why does Mrs Carmichael come to me?





Oh Mr Carmichael, captain and star of his office


Billiards team


Smiles to greet the applause as his ball goes in


Hurrying back, bringing his victory home but there's


No-one here


And supper waits on the table inside a tin





And oh how the linden leaves


Lie tossed as the night wind blows


And struck in his silent pose


Mr Carmichael weeps and there's no-one knows