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?