[Verse 1]

A little while ago I went and placed a call

To tell this girl I know that she could have it all

The wedding, the ring, the whole dumb thing

I was willing to tie the knot

So I called her up, and this is the answer I got

[Chorus]

"I'm so sorry you have just reached my answering machine

I'm not in at present, I'm sure you know this whole routine

Leave your name and number

And I'll try and get back to you

You have thirty seconds to talk to me before you're through"

[Bridge 1]

And I said, "Baby, let's go get married

Well, I need to know you're mine

I am hangin' on, I am hangin' on

I am hangin' on this line

And if I can leave one message

Before you go to bed

I would say to you..."

And the phone went dead

[Verse 2]

So I stepped out to buy some dog food for the cat

Of course she called about three minutes after that

Would she be my wife and share my life?

Well, of course you can write the plot

'Cause she called me up, and this is the answer she got

[Chorus]

"I'm so sorry you have just reached my answering machine

I'm not in at present, I'm sure you know this whole routine

Leave your name and number

And I'll try and get back to you

You have thirty seconds to talk to me before you're through"

[Bridge 2]

And she said, "Baby, I got your message

Well, I'm answering your call

I have thought it out, I have thought it out

And I think that all-in-all

If you ask if we can marry, and make it for all time

Then my answer is..."

And the phone went

[Outro]

"I'm so sorry you have just reached my answering machine

I'm not in at present, I'm sure you know this whole routine

I'm so sorry you have just reached my answering machine

I'm not in at present, I'm sure you know this whole routine

I'm so sorry you have just reached my answering machine

I'm not in at present, I'm sure you know this whole routine

I'm so sorry you have just reached my answering machine

I'm not in at present, I'm sure you know this whole routine

I'm so sorry you have just reached my answering machine

I'm not in at present, I'm sure you know this whole routine"