Kingston Trio M.t.a. Lyrics

M.t.a. Lyrics

Jacqueline Steiner/Bess Hawes



Spoken:

These are the times that try men's souls. In the course of our nation's
history, the people of Boston have rallied

bravely whenever the rights of men have been threatened. Today, a new crisis
has arisen. The Metropolitan 

Transit Authority, better known as the M. T. A., is attempting to levy a
burdensome tax on the population in the 

form of a subway fare increase. Citizens, hear me out! This could happen to
you!



(Eight bar guitar, banjo introduction)



Well, let me tell you of the story of a man named Charley on a tragic and
fateful day.

He put ten cents in his pocket, kissed his wife and family, went to ride on the
M. T. A.

Chorus:

Well, did he ever return? No, he never returned and his fate is still
unlearned. (What a pity! Poor ole Charlie. Shame and scandal. He may ride
forever. Just like Paul Revere.)

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.



(Chorus)



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?"



(Chorus)



Charlie's wife goes down to the Sculley Square Station every day at quarter
past two,

And through the open window she hands Charlie a sandwich as the train comes
rumblin' through.



(Chorus)



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 M.
T. A.



(Chorus)



He's the man who never returned. He's the man who never returned. Ain't you
Charlie?