This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
She called me up today
Meet me down at the old cafe
I jumped into the shower
I was getting my marching orders
We need to talk
Step into my office, baby
I want to give you the job
A chance of overtime
Say, my place at nine?
She'd never stand for any lies
She's got an out tray full of guys
I could sense a breath, a whole new feeling
Now she says she wants to call a meeting
We need to talk
Step into my office, baby
I want to give you the job
A chance of overtime
Say, my place at nine?
I'm a slave to work
I'm only living when I walk amongst the office staff
And catch up with the office wag
I'll be in bed by nine
My curtains drawn
My thoughts composed
I get to work on time
She gave me some dictation
But my strength is in administration
I took down all she said
I even took down her little red dress
We need to talk
Step into my office, baby
I'm want to give you the job
I'm pushing for a raise
I've been pushing now for days
My output is in decline
I was burned out after Thatcher
My banner I laid down with a sigh
Now I doubt if I'll ever catch her
I've got to change my ways
Dress for business every day
A sharp suit and a kipper tie
A big arrow pointing to my fly
Have you shaved for work yet baby
Don't go out the boss is waiting
We need to talk
Step into my office, baby
I want to give you the job
A chance of overtime
Say, my place at nine?
Meet me down at the old cafe
I jumped into the shower
I was getting my marching orders
We need to talk
Step into my office, baby
I want to give you the job
A chance of overtime
Say, my place at nine?
She'd never stand for any lies
She's got an out tray full of guys
I could sense a breath, a whole new feeling
Now she says she wants to call a meeting
We need to talk
Step into my office, baby
I want to give you the job
A chance of overtime
Say, my place at nine?
I'm a slave to work
I'm only living when I walk amongst the office staff
And catch up with the office wag
I'll be in bed by nine
My curtains drawn
My thoughts composed
I get to work on time
She gave me some dictation
But my strength is in administration
I took down all she said
I even took down her little red dress
We need to talk
Step into my office, baby
I'm want to give you the job
I'm pushing for a raise
I've been pushing now for days
My output is in decline
I was burned out after Thatcher
My banner I laid down with a sigh
Now I doubt if I'll ever catch her
I've got to change my ways
Dress for business every day
A sharp suit and a kipper tie
A big arrow pointing to my fly
Have you shaved for work yet baby
Don't go out the boss is waiting
We need to talk
Step into my office, baby
I want to give you the job
A chance of overtime
Say, my place at nine?
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this song is what introduced me to belle and sebastian. i heard it on the radio real late at night when they play a lot of weird techno with a sparatic mix of british yumminess. i laughed at the words. this song is so witty and clever. i dont know if this is written on true events, but it's meaning is obvious. an affair with your boss. funny. teehee. but great music.