THE BALLAD OF THE SHAPE OF THINGS (Sheldon Harnick)
The Kingston Trio
Also recorded by: Blossom Dearie; Journeymen.
Completely round is the perfect pearl The oyster manufactures; Completely round is the steering wheel That leads to compound fractures. Completely round is the golden fruit That hangs from the orange tree. Yes, the circle shape is quite renowned, And sad to say, it can be found In the low down, dirty runaround My true love gave to me, yes, My true love gave to me.
Completely square is the velvet box He said my ring would be in. Completely square is the envelope He said farewell to me in. Completely square is the handkerchief I flourish constantly, As I dry my eyes of the tears I shed, And blow my nose that turned bright red; Completely square is my true love's head: He will not marry me, no, he will not marry me.
Rectangular is the hotel door My true love tried to sneak through. Rectangular is the transom Over which I had to peek through. Rectangular is the hotel room I entered angrily. And rectangular is the wooden box, Where lies my love neath the golden phlox. They say he died from the chicken pox, In part I must agree: one chick too many had he!
Triangular is the piece of pie I eat to ease my sorrow. Triangular is the hatchet blade I plan to hide tomorrow. Triangular the relationship That now has ceased to be. And triangular is the garment thin That fastens on with a safety pin To a prize I had no wish to win; It's a lasting memory that my true love gave to me