(The) Fall Of The World`s Own Optimist

<br>(Elvis Costello/Aimee Mann) <br>There`s no charity in you <br>And that surprises me <br>I guess I thought you were a golden idol <br>`Cause I called you majesty <br>On the balustrade <br>You watched me hunt for tips I was obliged to pick up <br>From the passing trade <br><br>CHORUS: <br>Hey, kids--look at this <br>It`s the fall of the world`s own optimist <br>I could get back up if you insist <br>But you`ll have to ask politely <br>`Cause the eggshells I`ve been treading <br>Couldn`t spare me a beheading <br>And I`ll know I had it coming <br>From a Caesar who was only slumming <br>Hey, kids--look at this <br>It`s the fall of the world`s own optimist <br><br>Well, I could have objections <br>Which you could override <br>But what`s the point--we`re only flogging the horse <br>When the horseman has up and died <br>Once I testified <br>And swore I`d never leave a stone unturned-- <br>I bet you`re really glad that I lied <br><br>CHORUS <br><br>Hey, kids--look at this <br>It`s the fall of the world`s own optimist <br>I could get back up if you insist <br>But you`ll have to ask politely <br>Yes, you`ll have to ask politely <br>Yes, you`ll have to ask