(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

• Alibi Factory
• Almost Ideal Eyes
• Back on My Feet
• Bright Blue Times
• Brilliant Disguise
• Burnt Sugar is So Bitter
• Come Away, Death
• Don't Be Careless Love
• Everyday I Write The Book
• Fall of The World's Own Optimist
• Forty-five
• Gigi
• Heart-shaped Bruise
• Honey, Are You Straight
• I Just Don't Know What to Do With Myself
• I Throw My Toys Around
• I'll Never Fall in Love Again
• It Tears Me Up
• Lesson in Cruelty
• Life Shrinks
• Little Goody Two Shoes
• Long Journey Home
• Lost in The Stars
• Lovers That Never Were
• Mischievous Ghost
• Mistress & Maid
• My Mood Swings
• O, Mistress Mine
• Party Party
• Put Your Big Toe in The Milk of Human Kindness
• She
• St Stephen's Day Murders
• Suspect My Tears
• That Day is Done
• The King of The Unknown Sea
• The Night Before Larry Was Stretched
• The Only Daddy That'll
• The Unfailing Welcome to The Voice
• Tommy's Coming Home
• Twenty-five Fingers
• Weird Nightmare
• What Do I Do Now?
• When That I Was & a Little Tiny Boy
• Withered & Died
• You Want Her Too