Elvis Costello - This Sad Burlesque Lyrics

I write in hope
By the time you get this letter
We may live
To see a change for the better

Or are we so devoted
To these wretched selfish motives
When the cold facts and figures all add up
They cannot contradict this sad burlesque

This sad burlesque with miserable failures
Making entertainment of our fate
Laughter cannot dignify of elevate
This sad burlesque

Now can they recall being young and idealistic?
Before wading knee-deep in hogwash and arithmetic
The pitying smirk, the argument that runs like clockwork
Will run down eventually and splutter to a stop

P.S. Well, by now you know the worst of it
And we've heard all the alibis that they've rehearsed
The smug predictions
If it's not a contradiction

Please have faith in human nature
And have mercy on the creatures
In this sad burlesque

This sad burlesque with miserable failures
Making entertainment of our fate
Laughter cannot dignify of elevate
This sad burlesque