Professionally Out of Line

[Intro] I keep it classy I keep it clean But honey, you have not seen What awaits in the private scene [Verse 1] Respectful and kind in the way that I speak But I really want to be your freak I hold the door, I mind my tone Then write bad thoughts when I’m alone I see the little things you write Sexy and raw in the right light I contain the fire you light below But bad ideas are starting to flow I say “please” and “thank you,” But the subtext wants to spank you Behind this clean and careful face There’s velvet trouble keeping pace [Pre-Chorus] I keep it tasteful, play it cool Follow every social rule But when the curtains finally close That’s when my good behavior goes [Chorus] I’m buttoned up, unbuttoned down A saint in the daylight, a menace in town Publicly proper, privately bold Warm little smile with a fever below Still respectful, and as sweet as can be But the private edition has bonus scenes By day I’m calm, composed, refined By night I’m professionally out of line [Verse 2] I can write a thank-you note I can charm a dinner host I can keep a secret, too Especially the one I keep for you Polished manners, dangerous blush A slow-burn joke with a velvet touch Respectable face, but don’t misread There’s a wild little footnote underneath I know when to laugh, I know when to wait I know how to leave at a reasonable date But if you should ask what I’m thinking about I may have to whisper the footnotes out [Pre-Chorus] I keep my hands where they should be Watch my words so carefully But after hours, lock the door A version of me wants so much more [Chorus] I’m buttoned up, unbuttoned down A saint in the daylight, a menace in town Publicly proper, privately bold Warm little smile with a fever below Still respectful, and as sweet as can be But the private edition has bonus scenes By day I’m calm, composed, refined By night I’m professionally out of line [Post-Chorus] Oh, I behave Until I don’t I’ll be polite Till the lights go low Oh, I behave It’s kind of my thing But after midnight My pendulum swings [Bridge] Shake my hand, I’ll play the part Clean little smile, corrupted heart Say the right thing, sip my drink Nod along while I overthink Every compliment, filed away Every glance you let me replay Every line you almost crossed Has me looking dignified and lost I’m a courteous man with improper dreams A well-read book with some missing scenes Put me in public, I’ll do just fine But close the door, I’ll taste between your lines [Final Chorus] I’m buttoned up, unbuttoned down A saint in the daylight, a menace in town Publicly proper, privately bold Warm little smile with a fever below I’m still respectful, still sweet as can be But the private edition has bonus scenes By day I’m calm, composed, refined By night I’m professionally out of line [Outro] I’ll hold the door I’ll mind the sign Then lose my halo Off company time No, wait— That came out wrong By night I’m very professionally Very respectfully Very enthusiastically Out of line