I was in a lonely cafe by the roadside all unfriendly people no one said a word When in there stepped a starry eyed old stranger He sat down threw up his arms and then I heard Let me have about me lots of words and music Gather round and tell me anything you know Let's talk and sing and let's have words and music Give me lots of words and music till I go
Then with spirits high and the conversation livens The old man told us all where he'd come from He said where I've been it's dark and lonely and you know I hardly ever see the sun The kids all said the place would be best for me And they took all the money they said to pay the bills But you know I haven't heard a word from 'em and I sorta think I never will And words're so important when you're lonely And music has always been so good for me So let's talk and sing and let's have words and music Cause they'll come find me and they'll see that I got free Then the old man's starry eyes grew cold and lifeless When he saw the men in white suits standin' at the door He turned and shouted please don't take me back there And then he fell down to his knees upon the floor Then stepping from a corner of the cafe a mask of teardrops streaming down his face A young man came to claim his long lost daddy And soon their happy voices filled the place Let me have about me... Give me lots of words and music till I go