[Verse 1] I had a wish halfway written When the first white spark came down By the time I found the ending Three more scribbled up the clouds I aimed my thumb at the heavens Like a clerk with forms to file But the sky kept changing numbers And I lost my place in line [Pre-Chorus] One for the cat with the velvet crown One for the rent to forget my name One for a Tuesday that stays put One for the whole world to behave [Chorus] Wish one—wait, wish two—falling through I can’t finish asking before the next comes due Bassline buckles, my brave plans tumble Every bright little promise makes the whole list double Wish one—wish two—there goes three I’m still picking a subject when the sky picks me So I fold up my hands, then I open them wide There’s another one burning before I decide [Verse 2] I wished for a pocket-sized ocean Then a spoon that could stir the moon A seven-day weekend in April And a kettle that sings in tune I tried to be grateful in order Made a neat little numbered parade Then a star cut across my sentence And the ink ran away [Pre-Chorus] One for the keys I keep misplacing One for my courage to call you back One for a map with no wrong turns One for a snack that’s a full meal, perhaps [Chorus] Wish one—wait, wish two—falling through I can’t finish asking before the next comes due Bassline buckles, my brave plans tumble Every bright little promise makes the whole list double Wish one—wish two—there goes three I’m still picking a subject when the sky picks me So I fold up my hands, then I open them wide There’s another one burning before I decide [Bridge] Maybe the point isn’t getting them granted Maybe it’s how the wanting keeps me awake I’ll wish for a pause— Oh, there goes another I’ll wish for a pause— Well, that one can wait [Final Chorus] Wish one—wait, wish two—falling through I can’t finish asking before the next comes due Bassline buckles, my brave plans tumble Every bright little promise makes the whole list double Wish one—wish two—there goes three I’m still picking a subject when the sky picks me So I fold up my hands, then I open them wide There’s another one burning—let it decide [Outro] I had a wish halfway written Now the page is full of sky
