It's a grey, grey morning, the rain it do fall

I'm feeling hungry and low

My bed's so empty, I wish I could call

On the painted ladies I know



When you've got no credit, don't hold no sway

With the painted ladies I know

It's a "Thank you for calling, we'll see you someday"

The painted ladies I know



Leave at home what you value enough

And laugh your senses away

When you want to love everyone, how can you love

The painted ladies all say



"Us film stars and beauties will please you tonight

If you go to bed with a book"

But they can't hold a candle to something that trembles

If you need to do more than look



They come from rich fathers and twinkle their eyes

And you're begging them please not to go

And you're starved for some loving, they can make you feel special

The painted ladies I know



If you're seeking fortune, if you're seeking fame

And you're looking yourself in the eye

And God help the children, playing their game

The end of the game is goodbye



They pass through your vision like thoughts in a dream

Your good times are slipping away

It's time to move on or go down with the ship

The painted ladies all say