Capo: III
(Clive uses an open Bm7 shape mostly in this, like a B7 with the second finger
taken off so the open D gives the minor third)
INTRO: â - â â â - â - â () â () â ()
Now this is the deal, an iron will and nerves of steel
A silver tongue, a sterling heart, a clear head when the trouble starts
As love turns to fear she flinches every time he s near
The mystery is all too real, this is the deal
Here is the catch, a man who s never met his match
Swears that might is always right, won t give up without a fight
Who can t hold his drink, who never even tries to think
The cellar door is off the latch, here is the catch
Punch bag or sleeping bag, is there any choice
She must pay attention when she hears her master s voice
And though the kids are sleeping with their fingers in their ears
They recognise their father laughing at their mother s tears
Between the blows, a blackened eye, a bloody nose
Tries to hold a shaking hand, tries her best to understand
Between the sheets he makes demands she tries to meet
She turns the thorn into a rose between the blows
INSTR VERSE
No second honeymoon, no seven year itch
Spends their anniversaries face down in a ditch
No birthday celebrations, no holiday each year
No ceasefire at Christmas when he drowns himself in beer
So this is the deal, another day another meal
Another night sat by the phone, it hurts her less to be alone
Is this married life, what does it take to be a wife?
A butterfly tied to a wheel, this is the deal
An iron will and nerves of steel, this is the deal
The mystery is all too real, this is the deal.
(Clive Gregson s website is www.clivegregson.com)