I try to keep myself composed when you're around

I try to keep myself together

But all I have is duct tape

Paperclips and

A broken shoestring

I try to keep my heart from bursting to pieces

I try to keep the beat in time

But all I have is duct tape

Paperclips and

A broken shoestring

I try to keep my feet from floating off the ground

I try to keep it all together

But all I have is duct tape

Paperclips

And a broken shoestring

Then you're finally mine

And the years go by

That's when I learn to compromise

And my tongue I bite

Those things are used to keep my mouth shut tight

Tape and clips and broken string alike

Hmm-mm-mm-mm-mm

Mmm-mm-mm-mm-mm

A broken shoestring