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)