(Ron Mael)
Every word pronounced distinctly, slowly
There are no contractions, nothing slurred
Unprepared you watch in rank amazement
As she lights her cigarette and stirs
Every motion is complete, no editing of anything
Encouraging, encouraging, and not the
customary bill of fore

Can't you see the lady is lingering (lingering)
This lady's lingering, and you cannot belive the reason why

Every sip is of the smallest quantity That still denotes apparent thirst
Every question is a means to draw long answers Play the fool, it doesn't hurt
Splitting, spliting headache coming Get up early in the morning
Where are the funny phrases That are always followed by goodbye

(Chorus)

Is it now all up to you, do you now
guide the evening, or do you await
a further signal, a look, a touch, a sigh

(Chorus)

Risky business, all this waiting, wondering
A risky business, all this waiting, wondering
A risky business, all this waiting, wondering
A risky business, all this waiting, wondering

(Chorus)