I see you at the kitchen table, a cigarette in your hand
Cup of black coffee at your elbow, twist and turn your wedding band
Staring into space, wondering what it is you’ve lost
You’ve let your life slip by, tell me was it worth the cost?

I cannot be like you, I cannot be like you

You’ve got to get the dinner done now, get it on the table by six
Make sure the house is neat and tidy, make sure there’s nothing left to fix
Except your broken heart that lies in pieces inside you
But you won’t take the time, there’s always something more important to do

I cannot be like you, I cannot be like you
I know that you want me to, but I can’t be like you

I would rather try to fight to recover my power
Than lay awake at night wondering where my life went sour

I see you at the kitchen table, a glass of whisky in your hand
You numb the feelings when you’re able, they’re much too hard to understand
You’ve always been a good wife, never cheated, never lied
So why can’t you fill up this emptiness so deep inside?

I cannot be like you, I cannot be like you
I know that you want me to, but I can’t be like you

Mother’s dreams unfulfilled, just follow the tradition
Those emotions can’t be felt, just say your act of contrition

I cannot be like you
I cannot be like you
I know that you want me to
But, mama, I can’t be like you