Sophisticated Wallowing

If Love Were All
by Noel Coward

I believe in doing what I can
In crying when I must
In laughing when I choose
Hey ho, if love were all
I should be lonely.
I believe the more you love a man,
The more you give your trust,
The more you're bound to lose.
Although when shadows fall
I think if only
Somebody splendid really needed me
Someone affectionate and dear
Cares would be ended if I knew that he
Wanted to have me near.
But I believe that since my life began
The most I've had is just a talent to amuse.
Hey ho, if love were all.

A lonely song, but not exactly sad. It's a frank self-assessment, with a confession of longing that is bold in its mildness.  

Below, two performances, by Rufus Wainwright and Judy Garland. Martini, meet cigarette.



Can't embed it, but go and listen to Judy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpZqYq8DN5I&feature=related