Love For Sale
Bennett Tony Lyrics

When the only sound in the empty street
In the quiet street, the only sound audible is the heavy footsteps of a lonely policeman.

Is the heavy tread of the heavy feet
The only sound that can be heard is the heavy footsteps that belong to a cop who is most likely patrolling the area.

That belong to a lonesome cop, she opens shop
This line describes the cop who walks along the street, and how a woman who is likely a prostitute open up her shop in response to the officer's footsteps.

When the moon so long has been gazing down
This line suggests that the moon has been observant of the unsavory things that happen in the town for a long time.

On the wayward ways of this wayward town
The moon has been watching over the immoral and misguided ways of the people in the town.

That her smile becomes a smirk, she goes to work
As a result of observing the town's affairs for so long, the woman's smile changes to a smirk and she starts her work as a prostitute.

Love for sale
The woman is selling her love.

Appetizing young love for sale
The woman is advertising her youthful love for sale.

Love that's fresh and still unspoiled
The love that she offers is new and untouched.

Love that's only slightly soiled, love for sale
Although the love may be new, the implication that it is only slightly soiled suggests that it is not pure or innocent.

Who will buy?
The woman wonders who will be interested in purchasing her 'wares'.

Who would like to sample her supply?
She is asking who is interested in trying her love out first-hand.

Who's prepared to pay the price
She wonders who is willing to pay the cost for her 'services'.

For a trip to paradise?
The woman uses the metaphor of a 'trip to paradise' to describe what her services are like for the buyer.

Let the poets pipe of love in their childish way
Here, the writer expresses his belief that poets talk about love in a naive and juvenile manner.

I know every type of love better far than they
The singer suggests that he has experienced different types of love and understands them better than the poets.

If you want the thrill of love
For those who seek a thrill from love, the singer suggests he has what they need.

She's been through the mill of love
The woman has had her own experiences with love.

Old love, new love, every love but true love for sale
The singer offers love of all sorts, but none of them are genuine or honest.

If you want to buy her wares
If someone is interested in the woman's services...

Follow me and climb the stairs
...they should follow the singer and go up the stairs to her place of business – likely a brothel.

Love for sale
The song's refrain is repeated again – the woman's love is still being offered for sale.