When you asked me out and I turned you down,

Never thought that'd stop you from askin' now.

Why'd you go and give up so easily?

I thought you'd see ...

CHORUS: When I say no I mean maybe.

Baby don't you know me yet?

Nothin's worth havin' if it ain't a little hard to get.

So let me clarify so you won't have to try to guess.

When I say no I mean maybe, or maybe I mean yes.

Ever since woman has talked to man, Every man's been tryin'

to understand. What's the harm in a little mystery?

That's how it should be.

CHORUS:

When I say no I mean maybe.

Baby don't you know me yet?

Nothin's worth havin' if it ain't a little hard to get.

So let me clarify so you won't have to try to guess.

When I say no I mean maybe, or maybe I mean yes.

It seems like a crazy way to be,

But it makes perfect sense to me.

CHORUS:

When I say no I mean maybe.

Baby don't you know me yet?

Nothin's worth havin' if it ain't a little hard to get.

So let me clarify so you won't have to try to guess.

When I say no I mean maybe, or maybe I mean yes.

CHORUS: (abridged)