He never wanted it like this
  Just for once, (he'd) like to be greeted with a kiss
  But he's scared of his own home
  She never leaves him alone
  For twenty-three years he stood quietly
  While she took his manhood, and his dignity
  (but) Now the kids are all gone
  This shouldn't take very long
  
  He dug a shallow grave
  To the earth he took his spade
  Couldn't stand for one more day
  So he dug a shallow grave
  
  He takes breath and he says a prayer
  Raises his shovel high into the air
  He brings it down upon her head
  Just one blow and now she's dead
  Drags her body to the back door
  Leaves a trail of blood on the floor
  He bends down to close her eyes
  And then he starts to cry
  But never the less, he's glad that she's gone
  Throws her in the ground and piles the dirt on
  Goes inside to wash his face
  Feels his heart begin to race
  
  He dug a shallow grave
  To the earth he took his spade
  Couldn't stand for one more day
  So he dug a shallow grave
  
  Starts to realize just what he's done
  Goes into the basement, grabs his gun
  Puts the barrel to his head
  Can't believe she's really dead
  
  What will he tell the neighbors, when they pass by the way?
  What will he tell the children, when they come on Christmas day?
  What will he tell her parents, when they ask for their daughter?
  What will he tell the D.A. when they charge him with manslaughter
  
  He pulls the trigger and he hears a click
  The quick solution's not always the quickest fix
  
  He dug a shallow grave
  To the earth he took his spade
  Couldn't stand for one more day
  So he dug a shallow grave
  ... no reason to get excited