BURN MY CANDLE (AT BOTH ENDS)

(Ross Parker)


Shirley Bassey (with Wally Stott's Orch.) - 1956




Who’s got a match worth striking

Don’t say it all depends

Who wants to help me burn my candle

At both ends


Who’s got a light he’s hiding

Under a bushel, friends

Who wants to help me burn my candle

At both ends


It’s possible it may not last the night

But while it burns, what a wonderful light


Who’d like to play with fire

As Satan recommends

Who wants to help me burn my candle

At both ends


Who doesn’t mind the reaper

After he’s sown wild oats

Who wants to take a chance 

And help me burn my boats


Who’s not a look then leaper

Who won’t heed a warning note

Who wants to take a chance 

And help me burn my boats


It’s possible the pace may prove too hot

But then again it could happen it’s not


Who’d like to get in deeper

Not caring if he floats

Who wants to take a chance 

And help me burn my boats


There’s S for scotch, that’s so direct

And for straight and simple sex

I for invitation too

Close relationship with you

N for nothing, that no less

S-I-N, that's sin I guess


Who’s got a good ignition

Waiting for dividends

Who wants to help me burn my candle

At both ends


Who’s really in condition

Won’t mind how much he spends

Who wants to help me burn my candle

At both ends


It may not last, but it’s all in the game, my friend

And while it burns what a fabulous flame


Who has an inhibition

Weaker than he pretends

Who has an urge to turn the handle

Open my door and spurn the scandal

Who wants to help me burn my candle

At both ends




(Transcribed by Carlene Bogle - April 2004)

(Updated by Mel Priddle - July 2014)