He thought he was the King of America
  Where they pour Coca Cola just like vintage wine
  Now I try hard not to become hysterical
  But I'm not sure if I am laughing or crying
  I wish that I could push a button
  And talk in the past and not the present tense
  And watch this hurtin' feeling disappear
  Like it was common sense
  It was a fine idea at the time
  Now it's a brilliant mistake
  She said that she was working for the ABC News
  It was as much of the alphabet as she knew how to use
  Her perfume was unspeakable
  It lingered in the air
  Like her artificial laughter
  Her mementos of affairs
  "Oh" I said "I see you know him"
  "Isn't that very fortunate for you"
  And she showed me his calling card
  He came third or fourth and there were more than one or two
  He was a fine idea at the time
  Now he's a brilliant mistake
  
  He thought he was the King of America
  But it was just a boulevard of broken dreams
  A trick they do with mirrors and with chemicals
  The words of love in whispers
  And the axe of love in screams
  I wish that I could push a button
  And talk in the past and not the present tense
  And watch this lovin' feeling disappear
  Like it was common sense
  I was a fine idea at the time
  Now I'm a brilliant mistake