Simple Man

1955 in Boston down at St.Elizabeth's
My momma took me home
To the three decker
across from the playground
Where the townies slept
their wives were kept
In the Whiskey Point part of town

My old man was a fire-fighter
station house #4
In 69 our close friend Joe
drowned on a dare
Swimmin' across the reservoir
Everybody sit out on the
schoolyard steps
Dealin' Jacks or Better
while the older cooler guys
Survived high school
went to war in Vietnam

I could have been a mystery writer
A singer in a rock-n-roll band
Floored you for a ten count
like a prize figher
Take it deep in Fenway for a grand-slam
Oh no! I'm just a simple man

The Simple man finds a simple girl
They do the right thing
down at the V.F.W Hall
And everyone dances till midnight
My Uncle Walter starts the first fight
When its all done and over
Down to St.Vincent's to confess
That Whiskey Point hangover
Good for ten Hail Mary's I guess
Stick to the game plan
Im just a simple man

All roads down Harvard Street
Lead over High Street Hill
Little Stevie takes your action
At Foley's Bar and Grill
He'd look you in the eye
Said always understand boy
You were born to carry on
You're just a simple man

I could have been a mystery writer
A singer in a rock-n-roll band
Floored you for a ten count
like a prize fighter
Take it deep in Fenway
for a grand slam
Oh No! Im just a simple man