Monday, April 25, 2022

the man who never returned

 


On m.youtube, type in

The Kingston Trio - MTA

uploader:  John1948SevenE

and - Play!


[spoken introduction -- it is less than 30 seconds, then music starts]


♪ ♫ ♫

Well, let me tell you of the story of a man named Charlie

On a tragic and fateful day

He put ten cents in his pocket, kissed his wife and family

Went to ride on the MTA



Well, did he ever return?

No, he never returned, and his fate is still unlearned

(What a pity)

He may ride forever 'neath the streets of Boston

He's the man who never returned



Charlie handed in his dime at the Kendall Square station

And he changed for Jamaica Plain

When he got there the conductor told him, "One more nickel"

Charlie couldn't get off of that train!



But did he ever return?

No, he never returned, and his fate is still unlearned

(Poor old Charlie)

He may ride forever 'neath the streets of Boston

He's the man who never returned



Now, all night long Charlie rides through the station

Crying, "What will become of me?

How can I afford to see my sister in Chelsea

Or my cousin in Roxbury?"



But did he ever return?

No, he never returned and his fate is still unlearned

(Shame and scandal)

He may ride forever 'neath the streets of Boston

He's the man who never returned



Charlie's wife goes down to the Scollay Square station

Every day at quarter past two

And through the open window she hands

Charlie a sandwich

As the train comes rumblin' through!



But did he ever return?

No, he never returned and his fate is still unlearned

(He may ride forever)

He may ride forever 'neath the streets of Boston

He's the man who never returned


[Banjo solo]


Now, you citizens of Boston, don't you think it's a scandal

How the people have to pay and pay?

Fight the fare increase, vote for George O'Brien!

Get poor Charlie off the MTA!



Or else he'll never return

No, he'll never return, and his fate is still unlearned

He may ride forever 'neath the streets of Boston

He's the man who never returned

He's the man who never returned...


_________________________________

{"M.T.A." - written by Jacqueline Steiner and Bess Lomax Hawes, in 1949.  Recorded by The Kingston Trio, 1959}


-30-

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