Comme ci comme ca

1984. In 1984 I was in long-stay hospital in Germany with a broken leg. It had Developed an infection in the bone, staphylococcus aureus. Anti-biotics didn't work, so it Was an early example of the dreaded MRSA. I was often in the garden areas with my Guitar and wheelchair, and passers-by would ask how my leg was. If I answered "Comme ci comme ca," they laughed. As they were German, it must have seemed Funny, to have an English person spouting French at them

In this song there is uncertainty and vacillation. Do I think this, or do I think that? Comme ci, or comme ca? Should I try 'positive thinking' or is it just a placebo? Does a Placebo work if you know it's a placebo?

Comme ci, comme ca, in a way I'm feeling better
Comme ci comme ca, in a way, maybe I'm not

I've got one little problem, it's holding me back I'll admit
When I practise my positive thinking, sometimes I negative it

Comme ci, comme ca, in a way, I think she loves me
Comme ci comme ca, on the other hand maybe not

I take a flower and, I hold it in my hand
Take off the petals and, try to understand
Does she love me, does she not?
Will it work out, will it not?
Give me another flower and I'll try it again
To see if it comes out the same

Comme ci, comme ca, I know which medicine is better
Comme ci, comme ca, I've been testing the patients myself

The man with the drugs has got side-effects
The homoeopathic has not
The 'control' feels a little bit better
But the placebo's the best of the lot

Comme ci, comme ca, if my positive thinking's placebo
Comme ci, comme ca, will it work if I know it or not?

Comme ci, comme ca, in way, in a way I'm feeling better
Comme ci, comme ca, in a way, maybe I'm not
Comme ci, comme ca, in a way I'm feeling better
Comme ci, comme ca, in a way maybe I'm not
In a way, maybe I'm not, in a way, maybe I'm not