suzanne vega
machine ballerina
Am I an afternoon's pastime A thing on a string To be thrown and retrieved Like a phone call received On somebody's birthday To tease and delight And then say goodnight And then just say goodbye?  Am I a toy on a tray A soft piece of clay Queen or clown for the day Machine ballerina Soldier of tin Standing so loyal While you sit so royal Then I'm put away?  [Chorus] For your approval Perusal And your possible Refusal I'm amusing I'm a puppet for your play  Am I your Mad Magazine Skin trampoline Pin-up pinball machine Your fantasy girl Of puzzling parts? But none fits or starts We match wits but not hearts I'm heard but never seen  [Chorus]