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

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.