"I Knew I Was Next"
(Morrissey/Jesse Tobias)

 

These words are transcribed without permission the way they appear in the "Swords" album. Additions to the printed lyrics are in darker text while omissions are striken out.

So what do you think I am?
and how precisely could you tell?
a decent skin is all I am
people think badly of me
but one day maybe they'll praise?
Oh but meanwhile
I knew I was next and I didn't mind
here I offer you my life for any debts you're due
and when you've been down for the very last time
there is nothing anyone can do to hurt you
the shadows of trees
they reach to me
they know a decent skin is all I am
people think badly of me
but when I'm in my grave
maybe they'll praise?
But, meanwhile
I knew I was next and I didn't mind
here I offer you my life for any debts you're due
and when you've been down for the very last time
there is nothing anyone can do to hurt you
Oh but meanwhile
I knew I was next and I didn't mind
when you've been slapped around
then one more slap can't hurt you
and when you've been down for the very last time
  there is nothing anyone can do to hurt you
I knew I was next and I didn't mind
when you've been slapped around
then one more slap can't hurt you
and when you've been down for the very last time
there is nothing anyone can say to hurt you