The Wedding Present -
"Mercury"

[ from the album "Mini" (1996) ]

Lyrics

The air is so cold tonight
Here let me put my arm around you
I've never seen you looking quite
So winsome

It feels like I'm sixteen again
Secret touches when nobody sees
And I don't even like champagne
But I'll drink some

Your skin is so cold to touch
Well you know you'd be a whole lot warmer in my bed
Oh have I just said too much?
Well don't listen

Explanations are not required
Just two bottles of St. Emilion
And your eyes do look very tired
But they still glisten

You're laughing at things I say
Then suddenly you're staring into space
I'd really like you to stay
Now I'm feeling bolder

But you're telling me little tales
And I think there are lots of things that I should know
Just keep running your fingernails
Across my shoulder

The phone's ringing at 3a.m.
Well if you know who it is why don't you go?
It's because you don't want to speak to them
While I am near you

And I know where you want to be
You're in my hands but I just bet you'll slip away
You'll trickle like mercury
And I won't hear you

(do do do) Tonight I'll do just what you say
(do do do) Tomorrow is another day
You don't have to tell me anything
Oh I won't make you tell me anything (ohh)