THE RED STUFF

I talked with my cousin, he came round for lunch
I didn't say half of the things that I should have
He's more forgiving than I've ever been
He didn't make me feel bad - and he could have

But he isn't like that, and that's where the charm of him lies;
Let's say I'm deeply suspicious of family ties.

I said to my cousin 'I'm glad you came by;
My fault - I never replied to your letter.
A poor sort of cousin I think I must be;
Silent too long, really, you deserve better'

That's what I should have, that's what I ought to have said
But the best lines got grabbed by the voices that live in my head.

Here's to your courage - I owe you the cost of it
Opening night on the back-of-the-head stuff.
So much in common - blood's not the least of it
I never did set much store by the red stuff

I think of my cousin and things that he's said;
Told me that I was his hero - and meant it.
Makes me feel braver:is this brave enough?
I did write a letter // but I never sent it

If you see my cousin, then tell him I'm doing OK
And tell him I care - and I will write back - one of these days

Here's to your courage - I won't underestimate that
I'm the one struggles with ought-to-have-said stuff
So much in common - blood's not the least of it
I never did set much store by the red stuff

I talked with my cousin, he came round for lunch
I didn't say half of the things that I should have

But that didn't matter, and that's where the charm of him lies;
Well here's to the red stuff: and, coz, you're a handsome surprise
Well here's to the red stuff