From the recording The Rushes
Lyrics
WE HAVE WORN THE SAME OLD SHOES, WE HAVE SUNG THE SAME DEEP BLUES. HAD THE SHIRTS RIPPED FROM OUR BACKS, WALKED THE DARK SIDE OF THE LONGEST TRACKS.
WALK ON THROUGH MY DOUBLE DOORS, DANCE AROUND MY SHINY FLOOR, BAREFOOT OVER BROKEN GLASS.
WHEN YOU THINK YOU’VE SEEN IT ALL, THINK YOU’VE SEEN IT ALL,
WELCOME TO THE BLACK TIE BALL.
NOISE LIKE ENDLESS THUNDER ROARS, AS THE SMOKESTACK BELLOWS FROM THE DOORS. A GIRL WHO USED TO BE SO SWEET, FOUND THE MUD BELOW HER FEET.
RED SPOTS ON HER VIRGIN SLEEVE, MAKE YOU QUIVER MAKE YOU LEAVE, EMPTY BOTTLES EMPTY HEARTS.
WHEN YOU THINK YOU’VE SEEN IT ALL, THINK YOU’VE SEEN IT ALL.
WHEN YOU THINK YOU’VE SEEN IT ALL, WELCOME TO THE BLACK TIE BALL.
A FRIENDLY SMILE AT THE OLD FRONT DOOR, LIKE THE DRUNK WHO WON THE LIQUOR STORE. IN A CARPARK YOUNG BOYS SPIN THEIR WHEELS, TRYING TO FIND OUT JUST HOW GOOD IT FEELS. THE ARMY STANDS THERE BRAVE AND STRONG, WAITING ON ITS FINAL SONG, AS THE DEBUTANTS' THEY STUMBLE BY.
WHEN YOU THINK YOU’VE SEEN IT ALL, THINK YOU’VE SEEN IT ALL,
WHEN YOU THINK YOU’VE SEEN IT ALL, WELCOME TO THE BLACK TIE BALL.