Lover Be Kindly

(album: Janis Ian - 1967)

I walk in a gutter love
All up and down
Little bit of water's all it takes
To bring me down
I might not be here
Next time you look around
So be kind to the swallow
Hovering at your brow
If my enemies don't get me
My friends 'll know how

Hey, lover, be kind
I'm too old to die
And too young to cry
Lover lover lover lover, love
Lover be kind

Why'd you give me your feelings
If you didn't want the same?
Forgive me if I'm feeble
But I'm rather new at your game
Now you ask for my number
To come to play
You'll have to buy me a phone
And write down the number babe
I won't be responsible
For letting you in again

Hey, lover, be kind
I'm too old to die
And too young to cry
Lover lover lover lover, love
Lover be kind

Is this a joke for the insane?
You call and you ask how I am
I've put my bubblegum away
I changed to a rhyme
I've got my bell around my neck
In case I go blind
Don't worry I'll get my head
Out of your twine
If you'll please
Get your cut throat off of my knife

Hey, lover, be kind
I'm too old to die
And too young to cry
Lover lover lover lover, love
Please don't be mine