The Top and the Ball Songtext
von Stephin Merritt

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?