Paul Kelly Can't Help You Now Lyrics

So you're back in town with your ball and chain
And your best laid plans—funny how they all went bust again
I do declare it's a crying shame
And everybody else is always to blame
All your old-time friends they've gone to ground
The theatre's closed—they've torn all the posters down
Once you had a face that could launch a thousand masts
But what's a star without a cast?

It's getting hard looking in your eyes
Even your young child is getting wise

I can't help you now, darling, and that's the truth
Can't help you now, darling, I'm all out of juice
I can't help you now, darling, that's for sure Can't help you now darling no more

I remember when I walked the streets all night long
Pounding a poem to my brain and in the morning
I laid you down a song
I gave you all the sweetest meat,
I was happy just to lick the bone
Now I don't even pick up the phone

Pardon me if I seem cruel
But how long can I be your fool?

I can't help you now, darling, and that's no lie
Can't help you now, darling, don't even ask why
I can't help you now, darling, got to close the door
I can't help you now darling no more