my name is Smith

your silence is my trade

my name is Smith

here in this bar you fade out



time heals nothing

it merely rearranges our memory

in zero bars

even time no longer seems willing to try



please look around

empty faces that never quite die

don't be surprised

their bodies move by habit, look in their eyes



nothing is real

if you break down and cry they won't even stare

nobody feels

it's far too risky to admit that you care



my name is Smith

your silence is my trade

my name is Smith

here in this bar you fade out





Gary Numan, "Zero Bars (Mr. Smith)", _T_u_b_e_w_a_y _A_r_m_y (Beggars Banquet/ATCO 1978)