Texty: Elvis Costello. The Fall Of The World's Own Optimist.
(Elvis Costello/Aimee Mann)
There's no charity in you
And that surprises me
I guess I thought you were a golden idol
'Cause I called you majesty
On the balustrade
You watched me hunt for tips I was obliged to pick up
From the passing trade
[Chorus:]
Hey, kids - look at this
It's the fall of the world's own optimist
I could get back up if you insist
But you'll have to ask politely
'Cause the eggshells I've been treading
Couldn't spare me a beheading
And I'll know I had it coming
From a Caesar who was only slumming
Hey, kids - look at this
It's the fall of the world's own optimist
Well, I could have objections
Which you could override
But what's the point - we're only flogging the horse
When the horseman has up and died
Once I testified
And swore I'd never leave a stone unturned -
I bet you're really glad that I lied
[Chorus]
Hey, kids - look at this
It's the fall of the world's own optimist
I could get back up if you insist
But you'll have to ask politely
Yes, you'll have to ask politely
Yes, you'll have to ask
There's no charity in you
And that surprises me
I guess I thought you were a golden idol
'Cause I called you majesty
On the balustrade
You watched me hunt for tips I was obliged to pick up
From the passing trade
[Chorus:]
Hey, kids - look at this
It's the fall of the world's own optimist
I could get back up if you insist
But you'll have to ask politely
'Cause the eggshells I've been treading
Couldn't spare me a beheading
And I'll know I had it coming
From a Caesar who was only slumming
Hey, kids - look at this
It's the fall of the world's own optimist
Well, I could have objections
Which you could override
But what's the point - we're only flogging the horse
When the horseman has up and died
Once I testified
And swore I'd never leave a stone unturned -
I bet you're really glad that I lied
[Chorus]
Hey, kids - look at this
It's the fall of the world's own optimist
I could get back up if you insist
But you'll have to ask politely
Yes, you'll have to ask politely
Yes, you'll have to ask
Costello, Elvis
Costello, Elvis