M.T.A. (From the Album The Kingston Trio at Large) - 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!

(Song:)

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

And 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 stations

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 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!

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

He’s the man who never returned

Et tu, Charlie?

Songwriters: Jacqueline Steiner and Bess Lomax Hawes