Stephin Merritt The Top And The Ball lyrics

I was made, so they say
In the burgomaster's shop
By whom else but the mayor
I'm one important top

Do I know you? she said
For I do not speak with all
I've got cork in my head
I am one beautiful ball

Can't we be sweethearts?
No, I don't think so
Shan't we be sweethearts?
No

There are reasons
Why we will not tootle together
You were made from some tree
Me of African leather

And besides, there's a swallow
Who always says "I will"
There's a promise or almost
And your chances are nil
We can't be sweethearts

About that swallow

We shan't be sweethearts


Oh

Soon the ball disappears
She just bounced off somewhere
Then the top, after years
Spins away into thin air

When they meet in the gutter
She's droopy, old and wet
Though her heart's all aflutter
He's sure they haven't met

Were we old sweethearts?
No, I don't think so
Sure we weren't sweethearts?

No

In the garbage, old friends
Look even older
In the garbage, even old friends
Get the cold shoulder

Can't we be sweethearts?