You and I used to meet on the crowded street;
High on absinthe and all distilled so sweet.
Under a doorway lit by a single bulb:
You asked me if I could give you my love.
Sir I cannot give what I do not feel –
So don't ask and ask you wax me ill.
Yet, I should think there a girl
who might take pity on you –
Who'd love you like you know
I could never do.
Nell or Nan won't give you trouble
like you know I would;
Their love is free, which I'm sure you deserve.
Now, let's shake hands and
call ourselves “friend”.
For all things start and
all things must end.
I shall say our time together was
that most pleasant.
Remember me well and
harbor no resentment.
But why you go ‘round and say
that I have no heart?
It don't make sense
– you want what you say I ain't got.
C’mon, now, sir.
Now, I said I could not love you
and that I mean.
Ain't no man gonna put a rope around me.

Ain't no man gonna put a rope around me.
            She ain't said never better wait and see.
Ain't no man gonna put a rope around me.
            She ain't said never better wait and see.