Every word pronounced distinctly, slowly 
There are no contractions, nothing slurred 
Unprepared you watch in rank amazement 
As she lights her cigarette and stirs 
Every motion is complete, no editing of anything 
Encouraging, encouraging, and not the customary bill of fare 
Can't you see the lady is lingering (lingering) 
This lady's lingering, and you cannot believe the reason why 
Every sip is of the smallest quantity 
That still denotes apparent thirst 
Every question is a means to draw long answers 
Play the fool, it doesn't hurt 
Splitting, splitting headache coming 
Get up early in the morning 
Where are the funny phrases 
That are always followed by goodbye [Chorus] 
Is it now all up to you, do you now guide the evening, or do you await a further signal, a look, a touch, a sigh [Chorus] 
Risky business, all this waiting, wondering 
A risky business, all this waiting, wondering 
A risky business, all this waiting, wondering 
A risky business, all this waiting, wondering [Chorus]