"(The) Fall Of The World's Own Optimist" by Elvis Costello

(Elvis Costello/Aimee Mann) 
There's no charity in you 
And that surprises me 
I guess I thought you  were a golden idol 
'Cause I called you majesty 
On the balustrade 
You  watched me hunt for tips I was obliged to pick up 
From the passing trade 

CHORUS: 
Hey, kids--look at this 
It's the fall of the world's own optimist 
I could get back up if you insist 
But you'll have to ask politely 
'Cause the eggshells I've been treading 
Couldn't spare me a beheading 
And I'll know I had it coming 
From a Caesar who was only slumming 
Hey, kids--look at  this 
It's the fall of the world's own optimist 

Well, I could have objections 
Which you could override 
But what's the point--we're only flogging the horse 
When the horseman has up and died 
Once I testified 
And swore I'd never leave a stone unturned-- 
I bet you're really glad that I lied 

CHORUS 

Hey, kids--look at this 
It's the fall of the world's own optimist 
I could get back up if you insist 
But you'll have to ask politely 
Yes, you'll have to ask politely 
Yes, you'll have to ask