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