Standard (EADGBE)

Circumstances eat themselves

 The present tense has been

Fill the fancy bowl up

 At the present tense tureen.

I once had a girl, she lived in the past

 It was clear that relationship wouldn't last

 It was clear from the way she had to sleep south

 It was clear from the lines around her mouth

So I went for a walk in the ravine

 I came upon an unbelievable scene

 In a tiny creek there's a tiny boat

 With a tiny man in a tiny coat

I said "Hey man, do you think you can help?"

 He said "Of course I can - I'm an elf

 We're not just fictional device

 We sail ravines and give advice"

I said "My baby is what it's about"

 He cried "Helms a-lee, boy, I'm comin' about

 Don't fill me in on right or wrong

 Take these ropes and sing this song"

Circumstances eat themselves

 The present tense has been

Fill the fancy bowl up

 At the present tense tureen.

His eyes were afire, he lit up a coal

 Handed me a ladle and a little white bowl

 Put the pot on the fire, he opened a book

 And said "sit down, the thing's gotta cook"

"That's the loveliest pot I've ever seen"

 He said "it's not a pot, it's a tureen

 And what's inside will make you well

 So ring this little dinner bell"

Then he giggled in french - that's what he did

 Like a kid at Christmas, as he opened the lid

 "Help yourself" he beamed with pride

 But there was no sweet soup inside.

Silence fell on the cooling night

 I thought I better fake it just to be polite

 Smallest friend, biggest moon

 Empty bowl, empty spoon.

Circumstances eat themselves

 The present tense has been

Fill the fancy bowl up

 At the present tense tureen.

Circumstances eat themselves

 The present tense has been

Fill the fancy bowl up

 At the present tense tureen.