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