He never wanted it like this

Just for once, (he'd) like to be greeted with a kiss

But he's scared of his own home

She never leaves him alone

For twenty-three years he stood quietly

While she took his manhood, and his dignity

(but) Now the kids are all gone

This shouldn't take very long



He dug a shallow grave

To the earth he took his spade

Couldn't stand for one more day

So he dug a shallow grave



He takes breath and he says a prayer

Raises his shovel high into the air

He brings it down upon her head

Just one blow and now she's dead

Drags her body to the back door

Leaves a trail of blood on the floor

He bends down to close her eyes

And then he starts to cry

But never the less, he's glad that she's gone

Throws her in the ground and piles the dirt on

Goes inside to wash his face

Feels his heart begin to race



He dug a shallow grave

To the earth he took his spade

Couldn't stand for one more day

So he dug a shallow grave



Starts to realize just what he's done

Goes into the basement, grabs his gun

Puts the barrel to his head

Can't believe she's really dead



What will he tell the neighbors, when they pass by the way?

What will he tell the children, when they come on Christmas day?

What will he tell her parents, when they ask for their daughter?

What will he tell the D.A. when they charge him with manslaughter



He pulls the trigger and he hears a click

The quick solution's not always the quickest fix



He dug a shallow grave

To the earth he took his spade

Couldn't stand for one more day

So he dug a shallow grave

... no reason to get excited