The Best Of Michael Franks: A Backward Glance

Mabel is an independent woman who loves her lovers, and doesn't want to settle for one.

LYRICS
(c)2025 Ggreg Snyder

 [Verse 1]
Charlie brings me chocolates… melts before they’re through,
Danny writes me verses… darling, I correct them too.
Ricky waves his wallet, diamonds left and right—
Tony plays piano… but never plays me right.

[Chorus]
Mabel’s lovers… lined up one by one,
Each with their little trick,
Each with their little fun.
Why should I be faithful? Why settle, why allow?
Mabel’s lovers… and I like it just how it is now.

[Verse 2]
Henry tells me stories… always skips the end,
Tom is far too serious… I call him my weekend.
Peter spins me dizzy, twirling round the floor—
But when the music’s over… there’s another at my door.

[Chorus]
Mabel’s lovers… sweet as crème brûlée,
One will feed me supper,
The next will make me stay.
But love’s a little circus… and I’m the ringmaster now,
Mabel’s lovers… and I like it just how it is now.

[Bridge – spoken/purred]
Some girls want devotion… one man, one cage.
But a kitten with nine lives…
Won’t be locked upon the stage.

[Final Chorus – vampy, triumphant]
Mabel’s lovers… oh, they beg, they plead,
Each one fills a moment,
Each one fills a need.
I don’t need a chain, dear—
Don’t ask me to bow…
Mabel’s lovers… and I like it just how…
(It is now.)

[Outro – teasing, with a growl/purr]
One steady man? … mmm… what a boring vow.

Mabel’s Lovers

The Lady Wants to Know

Eggplant

Eggplant

Michael Franks

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