Martyr's Pose Lyrics - Tourniquet

You've lived your whole life in this role 

Father checked out prematurely, mother drank away her soul 

You became the whipping boy for an angry, bitter man 

When you see this much this young you learn to cope as best you can 

The trick's to look remorseful, but never shoulder any blame 

Condition their responses, that's the way to play the game 

Crocodile tears atream from your eyes 

Shoot an anguished look up at the sky 

Then it's arms outstretched, and a southbound nose 

Your defensive stance 

Your martyr's pose 

It's now your nature, it fits you like a second skin 

You adopt your tortured posture when you feel their patience wearing thin 

Tell me how much alienation 

How much bitterness have you tasted 

How many years were wasted trying to turn dead roses red 

You typecast yourself in this role - your martyr's pose