The Drum - Slapp Happy

Get in line, keep in time with the Drum

And don’t forget you’re nothing yet but water

Are you coming to or coming from

The understanding that I’m handing it to you?

Or is that a job you don’t dare do?

Hey, my sweet patootie, there’s a letter for you

(you'll find it on the shelf)

— Though it was posted in Calcutta

I know it’s just another that you’ve written to yourself

We watched a distant drummer flashing*

On the beat in all his Pierrot fashion*

One won money, two want a show,**

Three thought it funny, but four want to go**

Get in line keep in time with the Drum

— Don't forget we’re nothing yet but water

Don’t move your feet until the next beat comes —

One of the laws says pause between

Though I would hate to make the game seem mean

Hey my pretty flower can you guess where I’ve been?

Can you guess at all?

I’ve been to your rooms and learned

You have all the mirrors turned against the wall

We watched a distant drummer flashing*

On the beat in all his Pierrot fashion*

One won money, two want a show,**

Three thought it funny, but four want to go**

Listen now to the sound of the Drum —

And don’t forget we’re nothing yet but water

It won’t be pleasant when the present time is done

Testing nightly 'neath a sprightly summer moon

Your spirit like a jelly in a spoon

Hey ma jolie fleur there’s a cat in the room

And it’s not the type you’re used to

Though I think I led it to the sink

And tried to make it drink

It refused to