Why Say Anything Nice? Lyrics & Chords By Barenaked Ladies

Why'd you put your dress shoes on if you didn't come to dance?
Frankly, I'd be on my own if I thought I'd stand a chance
Why'd you take your glasses off if you don't intend to fight?
Frankly, I'd be on my own if I thought I'd last the night

No screaming or fighting, no scratching or biting
We're just shaking hands goodnight
Sullen and silent, emotionally violent
I waited a while and nothing, nothing

Why say anything nice when you can say nothing at all?
Why say anything nice when you can say nothing at all?

Why'd you put your backpack on if you won't just take a hike?
Frankly, I'd be out the door if you hadn't sold my bike

No fencing or sparring, no bruising or scarring
And no 'au revoiring' yet
No communication, just alienation
I've tried to be patient but nothing, nothing

Why say anything nice when you can say nothing at all?
Why say anything nice?

Say anything nice, a simple device
That makes everything beautiful just ordinary
Nice can come at a price, forever imbued with all this boredom
Sacrifice can only suffice when something is beautiful

After all the resentment, all the discontentment
The flowers you sent meant nothing, nothing

Why say anything nice when you can say nothing at all?
Why say anything nice when you can say nothing at all? (Why say anything nice?...)
You can say nothing at all
Woo-hoo-hoo
Nothing at all
Woo-hoo-hoo
You can say nothing at all
Woo-hoo-hoo
Nothing at all