We were in the middle of one of those talks when a long distance call from Tokyo threatened to ease the awkwardness, she said she had to let me go, but I said it was rattling in my head And there were some things that had to be said so if she didn't mind, I'd just as soon hold the line.

I said it was a moral issue A case of right and wrong, to my eyes. She said she could see her way clear If I was willing to compromise, but I said that if i start to bend I'd regret it in the end Brother, how much more should i take? When will fatigue evolve to break?

I can't tell you how to live your life I can't even say how i've lived mine the best i can do, brother the same advice that i give others whenever there is trouble, hold the line.

The phone clicked, death in my ear a little slice of heaven, then the tone i don't know why i did it, but i did I prefer the silence, But i don't want to be alone She picked up without answering the phone I wondered how she could possibly have known I listened to her breath, a comforting sign I've rarely understood, but I hold the line.