hello friend, we've met before
we see each other several times a year
we talk and laugh at these events,
all kinds of pleasantries dispensed
but I've never ever ever heard your name

Hello friend, where have we met
was it a work thing or a con or through the kids
I remember that you have a cat
have strong feelings on bowler hats
but I've never ever ever heard your name


my greatest social weakness
is that I get right to conversation
small talk feels meaningless
I'd rather our ideas avoid stagnation
I'm great at banking faces
no fear of polite embraces
but names are my greatest vexation


I love you friend, but I don't know your name
I love you friend, but I don't know your name
your face is clear, your voice is too
but I've never ever ever heard your name


hello friend, we meet here once again
I'm glad you like new tunes, I do too
you hand me the CD to sign
of course you want it personalized
but I've never ever ever heard your name

hello friend, oh yes, my wife is fine
we all met last year at that charity thing
I recall yours preferred sparking juices
she's a botanist who studies ancient spruces
but I've never ever ever heard her name


my greatest social weakness
is that I get right to conversation
small talk feels meaningless
I'd rather our ideas avoid stagnation
I'm great at banking faces
no fear of polite embraces
but names are my greatest vexation


I love you friend, but I don't know your name
I love you friend, but I don't know your name
your face is clear, your voice is too
but I've never ever ever heard your name



hello friend, oh yes, you've changed your hair
we talked about your plans way back when
it was blonde when I saw you last
purple now, iconoclast
but I've never ever ever heard your name

hello friend, of course I'll share a drink
I remember we closed down the hotel bar once upon a time
we talked of european politics
cotton fabric and brown dog ticks
but I've never ever ever heard your name


my greatest social weakness
is that I get right to conversation
small talk feels meaningless
I'd rather our ideas avoid stagnation
I'm great at banking faces
no fear of polite embraces
but names are my greatest vexation


I love you friend, but I don't know your name
I love you friend, but I don't know your name
your face is clear, your voice is too
but I've never ever ever heard your name

your face is clear, your voice is too
just because I don't remember don't mean I don't like you
what Obi Wan said was true
from a certain point of view
but I've never, ever, ever heard your name