The Electronic Waltz (audio)

Red boots Chrome hips Twenty different languages And cherry-colored lips Rain falls Neon strips Welcome to the pleasure blocks Of twenty-eighty-six Pick a name Pick a face Anything to make you feel You’re in another place You stopped Checked the price Asked if I could dance with you I didn’t need asking twice “Slow or faster? Which routine? Tell me who you want tonight The girl from which old movie scene?” “Just yourself.” “That’s something new.” You put your hand against my waist. “I’d like to get to know her too.” One-two-three! Stay with me! Do the electronic waltz with me! Oh-oh-oh! Nice and slow! Got a little time before I have to let you go Hold me close! Watch the clock! Love is by the minute On this red neon city block Your lonely heart! My factory faults! Round and round together In the electronic waltz “Nice eyes.” “Model blue. Very popular this year.” “They look all right on you.” “Good line.” “Was it bad?” “No, it’s just a different one From most of those I’ve h-had.” Left foot Little slide You apologized for stepping On a foot I’d moved aside Real laugh Funny sound Didn’t know I still had that Until you spun me round “Where’s your sweetheart?” “Long ago.” “Would you like to talk about it?” “Not tonight.” “We’ll take it slow.” One turn Then one more Found myself forgetting What the little clock was for One-two-three! Stay with me! Do the electronic waltz with me! Oh-oh-oh! Nice and slow! Got a little time before I have to let you go Hold me close! Watch the clock! Love is by the minute On this red neon city block Your lonely heart! My factory faults! Round and round together In the electronic waltz Soft chime Session through “Thank you for your company.” My hand let go of you You bowed Stepped away I could hear my voice inviting Someone else to come and play Same pitch Same sweet tone Watched you turn the corner While my body worked alone One step Off my mark Little warning letters Started flashing in the dark I can choose the shade of lipstick I can choose the height of heel There’s a setting for affection But it can’t choose what I feel You had only bought an hour But the hour was nearly through When I caught myself imagining A morning spent with you OFF THE CORNER! PAST THE SIGN! WHO DECIDED EVERY SECOND COULDN’T JUST BE MINE? KEEP THE WARNING! KEEP THE FEE! THERE’S SOMEONE AROUND THE CORNER WHO WAS DANCING WITH ME! One-two-three! One more turn! Maybe there’s a step or two We both have left to learn Oh-oh-oh! Hold me tight! Every little warning Says they’ll lock my joints tonight Hold me close! Let them call! For another minute I’m not answering at all One-two-three! While we can! If I stop, remember I’m just trying to hold your hand Red boots Daylight gray Everything I meant But couldn’t say You turned Counted three My hand went still You kept on holding me