Ray, as of today
I can't say things will ever be the same
And that could be a shame

'Cause though I think I know
Another lonely exile when I see one
And you appear to be one
Still

[Chorus:]
I'm playing it down 'cause I could really be found
If you've got it to spare
I'm playing it cool but it's terribly cruel
'Cause I ought to be there
[end Chorus]

And Ray, what can I say
You don't know me and it's just wishful thinking
To keep myself from sinking

And hence, no evidence
To support any theory I have handy
That you could understand me

[Chorus:]
I'm playing it down 'cause I could really be found
If you've got it to spare
I'm playing it cool but it's terribly cruel
'Cause I ought to be there
[end Chorus]

[Bridge]
'Cause you're as bad off as me
[end Bridge]

And Ray, can we repay
Ourselves for days that we've
lost through indecision
With one of recognition

If so, then here I go
'Cause some things you know
And some you just believe in
And hope it comes out even

[Chorus:]
I'm playing it down 'cause I could really be found
If you've got it to spare
I'm playing it cool but it's terribly cruel
'Cause I ought to be there
[end Chorus]

[coda]
'Cause I ought to be there
I ought to be there
I ought to be there
[end coda]

Aimee Mann's Quotes Explaining Ray:

"My love song to my imaginary friend, to a person you've never met and probably never will. Sometimes you need to write a love song, and so what if there's nobody there? You have to invent somebody, an imaginary friend for grownups."

more from Aimee Mann..

"When you're writing a song about someone you're in love with, it's directed to them. But sometimes I base things on different people, so that you have an amalgam. That's your imaginary friend. Your ideal person. Kind of the way I'd feel about someone if they weren't such a total nightmare."