A puppets motions are controlled by a string
By a stranger they've never met
Nod of the head at a pull of a thread
I just can't say no, can't say no

When a child throws down a toy
Dolly for girl, drum for boy
When I was new you wanted me
Now I'm old you no longer see

The paint on my face is chipped and cracked
My clothes seems to be getting old
Now you've owned me for a few years
Please don't leave me in the cold

You make me glad, you make me sad
You lock me away when I'm bad
Now you've owned me for a few years
Please don't leave me in the cold, in the cold

When a child throws down a toy
Spite for girl, hate for boy
When a child throws down a toy
I look at you with eyes of blue
But somehow I can't get through to you

Original lyrics (1977)