[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 they MTA -- 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!

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

(Chorus)

well did he ever return?
no he never returned and his fate is still unlearned
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 nickle"
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 Scully 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)

[pick it Davey]

[kind of hurts my fingers]

Now ye 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'Brian
Get poor Charlie off the MTA

(chorus)

[fade] he's the man who never returned

he's the man who never returned
he's the man who never returned

[et tu, Charlie?]