That's The Way I've Always Heard It Should Be Lyrics

My father sits at night with no lights on;
His cigarette glows in the dark.
The living room is still;
I walk by, no remark.
I tiptoe past the master bedroom where
My mother reads her magazines.
I hear her call sweet dreams,
But I forget how to dream.

But you say it's time we moved in together
And raised a family of our own, you and me ---
Well, that's the way I've always heard it should be;
You want to marry me, we'll marry.  

My friends from college they're all married now;
They have their houses and their lawns.
They have their silent noons,
Tearful nights, angry dawns.
Their children hate them for the things they're not;
They hate themselves for what they are ---
And yet they drink, they laugh,
Close the wound, hide the scar.

But you say it's time we moved in together
And raised a family of our own, you and me ---
Well, that's the way I've always heard it should be;
You want to marry me, we'll marry.  

You say that we can keep our love alive
Babe, all I know is what I see ---
The couples cling and claw
And drown in love's debris.
You say we'll soar like two birds through the clouds,
But soon you'll cage me on your shelf ---
I'll never learn to be just me first
By myself.

Well O.K., it's time we moved in together
And raised a family of our own, you and me ---
Well, that's the way I've always heard it should be;
You want to marry me, we'll marry.  
We'll marry.