On holiday in a state run health spa in Spain, my companion and I were fascinated by two elderly ladies who were completely inseparable and yet clearly couldn't stand each other. A bit of gin seemed to help.
lyrics
For nearly 40 years these two old friends
First followed, then set and then ignored the latest trends.
One bears a grudge and thinks the other one should make amends.
Comfortable hatred - that neither wants to end
Tall and elegant Grace looks down
On dumpy little Margaret, all made up like a clown.
Looking quite ridiculous in that shiny evening gown.
She wears her displeasure in the flicker of a frown.
Margaret eats so fast she can't remember what she ate
While Grace just pokes and prods at the food on her plate -
With a sneer of disdain as she looks around this place.
Comfortable hatred has left a scar on her face.
Grace makes no attempt to hide what she thinks
As men a fraction of their age keep buying Margaret drinks.
Giggling like a silly girl as the champagne glasses clink
Margaret makes new friends. And Grace just blinks.
It never crosses Margaret's mind to rise
To the constant provocation of Grace's tuts and sighs.
There's steel in her heart but only kindness in her eyes.
Comfortable hatred is just part of any marriage she decides.
Last ones on the terrace at three a.m.
Both trying to keep straight faces as the manager complains
Then three pairs of eyebrows raised as Grace lets one off again....
Margaret holds her aching sides
Graces just turns to try to hide
The smile that's spreading behind her fan
While Margaret holds out her hand
And Grace takes it
And these two old friends help each other to stand.
credits
from Comfortable Hatred,
released July 1, 2015
Guitar and vocal - Greg Hancock
Double Bass - Lukas Drinkwater
Cello - Jo Hooper
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