Love Hate Relationship, Vol IV: Phobias · Track 1 · opener
Needle in the Vein
Trypanophobia (needles/injections) — 'sharp little lies, the sting before the calm'. Medical-trauma story.
Lyrics
[Intro] Just look at the wall, they say. Just focus on the poster of the smiling dog. [Verse 1] Rolling up the cotton, feeling the chill Sitting on the crinkling paper of table 3 You’ve got a tray of silver, moving in for the kill Smiling like you’re only pouring up the tea The smell of rubbing alcohol, a sudden icy sweep You tell me to relax, but my pulse won't keep the peace I’m bracing for the metal while you're talking so sweet [Chorus] Oh, it’s just a needle in the vein A sharp little lie to make it all alright You promise me the cure, but I’m fearing the bite The sting before the calm, the shadow in the light Getting under my skin to take away the ache But this tiny little pin feels heavy as a stake Yeah, it’s a needle in the vein [Verse 2] You tap the inner elbow, looking for the map A blue river hiding just beneath the pale I'm holding onto the armrest, caught inside the trap Waiting for the momentary tip of the scale Count backward from ten, but I only get to eight Before the sudden pressure makes me recalculate [Chorus] Oh, it’s just a needle in the vein A sharp little lie to make it all alright You promise me the cure, but I’m fearing the bite The sting before the calm, the shadow in the light Getting under my skin to take away the ache But this tiny little pin feels heavy as a stake Yeah, it’s a needle in the vein [Bridge] Here is the secret we both pretend to ignore The waiting is the ghost that knocks at the door The flinch is so much louder than the actual spark And as soon as it is over, I am laughing in the dark Because it’s just a drop of crimson and a piece of tape, a little cotton ball, and a narrow escape [Chorus] Oh, it’s just a needle in the vein A sharp little lie to make it all alright You promise me the cure, but I’m fearing the bite The sting before the calm, the shadow in the light Getting under my skin to take away the ache But this tiny little pin feels heavy as a stake Yeah, it’s a needle in the vein [Outro] Just a tiny little prick. You can look now. All done.