M.T.A. Songtext
von The Kingston Trio

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 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


Well did he ever return?
No he never returned
And his fate is still unlearned (what a pity)
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!

But did he ever return?
No he never returned
And his fate is still unlearned (poor old Charlie)
He may ride forever
′Neath the streets of Boston
He′s the man, who never returned

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


But did he ever return?
No he never returned
And his fate is still unlearned (shame and scandal)
He may ride forever
'Neath the streets of Boston
He′s the man, who never returned

Charlie's wife goes down
To the Scollay Square station every day
At quarter past two
And through the open window
She hands Charlie a sandwich
As the train comes rumbling through

But did he ever return?
No he never returned
And his fate is still unlearned (he may ride forever)
He may ride forever
′Neath the streets of Boston
He's the man, who never returned

Pick it, Davey
... (kinda hurts my fingers)

Now you citizens of Boston
Don′t you think its a scandal
How the people have to pay and pay?
Fight the fare increase!
Vote for George O'Brien
Get poor Charlie off the MTA

Or else he'll never return
No, he′ll never return
And his fate is still unlearned (just like Paul Revere)
He may ride forever
′Neath the streets of Boston

He's the man, who never returned
He′s the man, who never returned
He's the man, who never returned
Et tu Charlie?