[Verse 1 – immediate vocals, bright ukulele, relaxed island percussion, smiling male lead] They met our boat with leis and cocktails, Put a flower in each glass. Friday night, the farewell banquet. Thursday, half the guests were gone. Claire went missing after breakfast. “Private outing,” said the staff. They hosed the terrace down at sunset. Pink foam trickled down the path. [Chorus – sweet female harmonies, warm lap steel, irresistibly cheerful] Wish you were meat, Underneath the paper lanterns. Wish you were meat, On a silver tray for two. They've put flowers round the carving knife. There's a lovely ocean view. Wish you were meat. They're expecting you. [Verse 2 – buoyant bass, playful ukulele fills, clear conversational delivery] The first course wore a wedding ring. Claire had shown me by the pool. There it sat between the olives, Still attached to something blue. Blood spread slowly through the linen. Someone asked for extra bread. Then the chef brought out a platter With my name engraved in brass. [Chorus – bright handclaps, affectionate backing vocals, carefree holiday mood] Wish you were meat, Underneath the paper lanterns. Wish you were meat, On a silver tray for two. They've put flowers round the carving knife. There's a lovely ocean view. Wish you were meat. They're expecting you. [Instrumental – four bars of cheerful lap steel and ukulele, light bongos] [Bridge – intimate crooning, same sunny major key, gently swaying rhythm] I asked about the morning ferry. The waiter took away my shoes. Two men laid me on the table. Someone tuned the ukulele. I could feel the first cut opening Underneath the flower lei. “Mind the orchids,” said the waiter. “They're the last ones of the season.” [Final Chorus – exuberant harmonies, bright lap steel, warm and welcoming] Wish you were meat, Underneath the paper lanterns. Wish you were meat, On a silver tray for two. They've put flowers round the carving knife. There's a lovely ocean view. Wish you were meat. They're expecting you. [Outro – warmly spoken like a cheerful resort advertisement] Thank you for dining with us. If you enjoyed your stay, Please recommend a friend. We could use someone fresh. [Sweet female backing vocals] Wish you were meat! [Short, bright final chord]
