I keep a pile of pennies
In the pocket of my pants
I pay my toll to the sidewalk troll
My entrance fee to street romance
Oh Streetcorner ambassador
This city treats you well
supplies the finest newsprint sheets
The penthouse suite, Park Bench Hotel

Conferring with the delegates
Around imported port
Important issues of the day
Say "Unity will buy a quart"
Oh streetcorner ambassador
keeps highbrow company
They drink the finest of liqueur
At the A Train Embassy

And it's toss into the old tin cup
A shiny copper penny
Sing along that old refrain
"Can you spare a little change, man?
can you spare just a little change?"

The cop said "Move on or I'm gonna
take you to the shelter"
She beat a quick retreat that's how
He knew that he had helped her
Oh Streetcorner Ambassador
it seems so clear to me
The more you are ignored
It's called diplomatic immunity

Now if you find my money
On the street you let it be
consider it my joint account
with someone who really needs it
Oh streetcorner ambassador
Back from Vietnam or up from the South
Those patronizing liberals
Took the words out of your mouth

And it's toss into the old tin cup
A shiny copper penny
Sing along that old refrain
"Can you spare a little change, man?
can you spare just a little change