The Meter’s Ticking.

He said to us, “She verily is mine!”
“It’s but a joke, friend, it’s but a joke!
Come thou away — thou’rt utterly in wine.
It’s not thy business, boy, walk not this road!”

But he quits not, “I’ve really won today!
Let’s catch a cab, it’s time to take a roam!
The meter’s ticking, but it’s all the same,
We’ll have to pay but when the roam’s over.”
“The meter’s ticking, but it’s all the same,
We’ll have to pay but when the roam’s over.”

I take no pity on such queer birds,
Yet try to keep him being almost sober.
But he again talks big about her...
“Thou shouldst not say, friend, even a word over!”

My blood and wine start boiling in my veins,
And with a smile like I had heretofore,
I softly say to him, “It’s all the same,
But thou shalt pay, friend, when the roam’s over!”
I softly say to him, “It’s all the same,
But thou shalt pay, friend, when the roam’s over!”

Nor words nor tears can touch me tonight —
I want to fight, and I’ve been really strengthened!
“It’s not the moment to discuss my right —
Thou hast to pay for that, and thou shalt pay, friend!..”

Life drives me forth, and I enjoy the way.
I’m feeling good, I want to laugh and joke.
The meter’s ticking, but it’s all the same,
We’ll have to pay but when the roam’s over...
The meter’s ticking, but it’s all the same,
We’ll have to pay but when the roam’s over...

1964.