Take a look at the way I bond, you’ll find it’s metallic.
All my atoms lined up in rows form a giant lattice
My outer shell’s prone to roam.
And so I’m here ionised
Outer electrons, delocalised.

Bend me, shape me
Anyway you want me,
‘Cause I’m a metal, it's all right
Pull me, draw me
Discover my ductility,
Conducting the current that powers your lights.

If you’re needing heat on the move, then we’ll conduct gladly
This is ‘cause our free electrons collide with that lattice.
And if my shape is too plain,
I’m not too proud to explain,
Pick up that hammer, just watch your aim:

Bash me, beat me
Use my malleability,
Deform my lattice, that bond stays strong
Now can you see
I’ve so many properties?
When you choose metals you just can’t go wrong.

Bend me shape me anyway you want me (fade)

C Downey March 2001