Suzanne Vega › Lyrics › Machine Ballerina

Am I an afternoon's pastime?
A thing on a string
To be thrown and retrieved
Like a phone call received
On somebody's birthday
To tease and delight
And then say goodnight
And then just say goodbye

Am I a toy on a tray ?
A soft piece of clay
Queen or clown for the day
Machine ballerina
Soldier of tin
Standin' so loyal
While you sit so royal
Then I'm put away

For your approval
Perusal
And your possible
Refusal
I'm amusing
I'm a puppet for your play

Am I your mad magazine?
Skin trampoline
Pin-up pinball machine
Your fantasy girl
Of puzzling parts
But none fits or starts
We match wits but not hearts
I'm heard but never seen

For your approval
Perusal
And your possible
Refusal
I'm amusing
I'm a puppet for your play