The manager is waiting to be paid Along with priests and deacons of his court A quartermaster, quite a mess, a mistress of the line Has found a last cent avenue of paying A Mardi Gras just passed this way a while ago Making hungry people of us all Along the Mississippi you can hear the fiddlers play Fandangos and boleros to the Lord Many times, many tried Simple stories are the best Keep in mind, the wishful kind Don't wanna be like all the rest My uncle was a vicar in the big parade Selling fountain pens that never write San Sebastian gamblers never cheat nor lie They know good fences make good neighbours I wish I knew what time of year it was What kind of people we'll be then When gruesome tales of two cities ran Running all the way Father might have heard his prayers were answered Inhibitions all the way from home Consider now, consider that before the deed is done The blood of consolation runs so true Many times, many tried Simple stories are the best Keep in mind, the wishful kind Don't wanna be like all the rest