(Al Willis, Gwen Gordy Fuqua)

listen (tick), tick (tick, tick tock)
tick tock (goes the clock)
you better listen (tick)
we're running out of time, can't you see
(tick tock) listen to the clock for me
real soon and beware
you better beware, beware
don't leave me hangin' on a string
waitin' for the phone to ring
my love's not the kind to keep wasting
ooh, I have no time, don't keep me waiting
until you realize that she doesn't care
the love you feel for her she doesn't share
beware, you better beware
ooh, let me know you care (beware)
don't leave me hangin' on a string
waitin' for the phone to ring
you better beware, beware
you better beware
I'm not always be near when you want me
ooh and I can't be here just 'cause you need me
to wipe away the tears that you shed in vain
I won't be the one to ease the pain
beware, you better beware
ooh let me know you care (beware)
don't leave me hangin' on a string
waitin' for the phone to ring, no, no, no
(you can run) you can run
but to find there's no place you can't hide
you can put it off, soon you must decide
(tick) time is wasting
(tick tock goes the clock) ooh ooh ooh
(tick) time is wasting
(tick tock) time is wasting
you got to (tick)
make up your mind (tick)
don't be blind (tick tock)
open your eyes
you better beware
ooh let me know you care (beware)
don't leave me hangin' on a string
waitin' for the phone to ring
you better beware, beware
'cause I won't always be there
time is wasting (you better beware)
ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh
(beware) yeah
don't leave me hangin' on a string
waitin' for the phone to ring, boy
(you better beware) beware
let me know you care (beware)
(don't leave me hangin' on a string)
ooh 'cause I won't always be there
(you better beware)