The Absence of Applause

It's December in New York City

And the chief is on TV

He plays the audience like a fiddle

But he'll never convince me

I firmly believe he's on the wrong course

So please accept my apology 

For the absence of applause

Oslo brings clear skies

As he strolls the boulevard

He'll be accepting his peace prize

With his wife and bodyguard

But outside the protest is full force

So please accept my apology 

For the absence of applause

He would stop the war in a minute

If his children were on the line

But it's only collateral damage

When the casualties are yours or mine

He's got spit shined shoes

And he says he wants peace

But he ordered 30 thousand troops

And I see gloom on his face

He says they'll be fighting a worthy cause

So please accept my apology 

For the absence of applause

Now somewhere in Afghanistan

Our enemy takes aim

A scream fills the air

As the bullet makes its claim

Another beautiful life is lost

So please accept my apology 

For the absence of applause

He would stop the war in a minute

If his children were on the line

But it's only collateral damage

When the casualties are yours or mine

It's December in New York City

And the chief is on TV

He plays the audience like a fiddle

But he'll never convince me

I firmly believe he's on the wrong course

So please accept my apology 

For the absence of applause