Some other night, my love Some other night, you sayOf course, you're right, dear General But before you go awayMay I please continue just a moment more Before you close the doorAnd goodbye Let's seeWhere was I? What had I just said?Oh yes, I was going on about colors The different kinds of redSome reds are like familiar friends They spring from the growing earthThey flow with the moon and tides Some reds are the badges of brides and birthPlease don't lose patience, General Stay just a little whileI'm merely speaking of colors Perhaps I'll make you smileSome reds are unnatural enemies They crawl out of open veinsThey creep and slide from gaping wounds Like medals of pride and painSome reds are close to purple Oh, my darling, what do I mean?Please don't put on your jacket yet Some reds are closer to greenSome other night, my love Some other night, you sayOf course, you're right, dear General You're right to turn awayBut you recoil Is something soiled?To stain a sensitive soul such as yours Would never be my goalBut I digress Where was I?Oh, yesBack to the subject of colors Perhaps if someone triedTo wear the reds of birth and brides If one could lose his prideAnd see the other side Perhaps he'd have less need to spillThe rude, the cruel, the crawling reds that killYou'd better put on your jacket now There's beginning to be a chillSuch a silly, talkative woman am I Forgive me if you willFor keeping you, dear General Sir, you have a quota to fillWhile I carry on about colors Purple, green, and redThe badges of the living The medals of the deadThe badges of the living The medals of the dead