[verse 1] I meant to ask your name with grace but folded halfway through the line your hand was near the candlelight and mine forgot to look refined I said the weather had good manners then laughed too late, then looked away you smiled as if I had a chance and that was dangerous to say [pre-chorus] the room went still around your mouth I felt forgiven by mistake [chorus | graceful lift | light strings | restrained emotion] so I bowed where I should have spoken held my breath and called it art you said nothing, almost kindly and it ruined the careful part oh, the cat dances salsa that is what escaped my heart I was relieved when you laughed softly then guilty that I made you start [verse 2] I praised your coat, then praised the buttons as if buttons were the point you said my courage was uneven with a very gentle voice I nearly thanked you for the wound I nearly asked you for the knife instead I watched the flute line tremble like it knew my private life [bridge] what a mercy what a crime to be wanted at the wrong small time [final chorus] so I bowed where I should have spoken held my breath and called it art you said nothing, almost kindly and it ruined the careful part oh, the cat dances salsa still the sentence falls apart I was relieved when you came closer then guilty for my hopeful heart [outro] if you ask me what I meant I may answer very late something foolish something honest something dressed as fate
