[INTRO] [VERSE] When I was young and had no sense In far-off Mandalay I lost my heart to a Burmese girl As lovely as the day. Her skin was gold, her hair was jet, Her teeth were ivory; I said, for twenty silver pieces, Maiden, sleep with me. She looked at me, so pure, so sad, The loveliest thing alive, And in her lisping, virgin voice, Held out for twenty-five. [INSTRUMENTAL] [VERSE] That was oh so long ago I'm tired, old, and gray But the Burmese girl gave me a gift I carry to this day Twas not a trinket nor a jewel No object made of gold Such things can be forgotten Stolen, lost, or sold To give her gift she laid me down Embraced in sweet repose It's not the gift eternal But syphilis comes damn close [Instrumental] [VERSE] When I was young and had no sense In far-off Mandalay I lost my heart to a Burmese girl As lovely as the day. [OUTRO] [VERSE] It's not the gift eternal But syphilis comes damn close [INSTRUMENTAL] [VERSE] When I was young and had no sense In far-off Mandalay I lost my heart to a Burmese girl As lovely as the day. [OUTRO]
