Velvet Red Swing

Lyrics

NAOMI (silk over steel) He’s here again… same stare, same cheap hope. Song: “Play Him Soft” (Big-band lounge × rock-opera) Baby brings me roses Like they’ll fix my life Doesn’t know they only Buy me one more night Sweet and soft and lonely Standing in the back Thinks he’s got a chance While I count the stack Chad’s out bleeding Dice and whiskey blues Mafia wants their money I still got rent to lose So I smile like I mean it Let him think he’s the one Buy the pretty fantasy While I sharpen the gun I play him soft I play him slow Keep the sugar on my tongue While I calculate the cost My little detective Walking ATM Take the flowers, take the dinners Never let him in Vegas is waiting My name in lights Not staying in this lounge Paying off a loser’s nights Keep coming, detective Bring what you bring I’ll be your almost-girlfriend While I climb to everything I play him soft I play him sweet Let him think the dream’s complete When he stops being useful I’ll cut the string and leave him in the street (She takes the flowers. Spotlight widens. Porky steps in. The swing turns passionate, Spanish-tinged, operatic.) PORKY (Antonio Banderas fire—velvet and danger) “I See the Knife” You think I do not see it The smile that never reaches Roses held like weapons Wrapped in pretty speeches I am no fool, Naomi Though I play the part so well I bring the flowers knowing I dance right next to hell But I’ll take the danger Drink the pretty lie Even knowing you are playing I still cannot walk by Shark in sequins Queen inside a cage Just a detective Fallen for the stage So play me soft Play me slow I already know the game I’ll be your fool tonight If I get to say your name