Paul Simon
When Numbers Get Serious
[Verse 1]
I have a number in my head, though I don't know why it's there
When numbers get serious, you see their shape everywhere
Dividing and multiplying, exchanging with ease
When times are mysterious, serious numbers are eager to please

[Chorus 1]
Take my address, take my phone, call me if you can
Here's my address, here's my phone now, please don't give it to some madman
Hey hey, whoa whoa, it's a complicated life
Numbers swirling thick and curious, you can cut them with a knife
You can cut them with a knife

[Verse 2]
Two times two is twenty-two, four times four is forty-four
When numbers get serious, they leave a mark on your door
Urgent. urgent, a telephone is ringing in the hallway
When times are mysterious, serious numbers will speak to us always

[Chorus 2]
That is why a man with numbers can put your mind at ease
We've got numbers by the trillions, here and overseas
Hey hey, whoa whoa, look at that stink about Japan
All those numbers waiting patiently now, don't you understand?
Don't you understand?
[Verse 3]
So wrap me, wrap me, wrap me do, in the shelter of your arms
I am ever your volunteer, I won't do you any harm
I will love innumerably, you can count on my word
When times are mysterious, serious numbers will always be heard
When times are mysterious, serious numbers will always be heard

[Outro]
And after all is said and done
And the numbers all come home
The four rolls into three, the three turns into two
And the two becomes a one