The only Busker on John Street (copyright D.Dagenais 2010)
Red glare, red paper, lights
White snow turning grey as the wind bites
The man on the corner with his hat in his hand
Here’s a penny for a beggar with his eyes downcast
I can not compete, with these city streets
I can not compete with these city streets
A woman rushes by with two kids in tow
Holes in the coats and runny noses
She catches my eye and I nod ‘cause I know
She’s trying to reach the food bank before it closes
I can not compete, with these city streets
I can not compete with these city streets
I am the only busker on John Street
I am the only busker on John Street
The padre’s handing tracts out
The junkies say they have their own
The homeless are scavaging for temporary homes
‘Cause that big grey sky looks like it’s gonna storm
Subway grates and doorways
Anywhere that’s warm
I can not compete, with these city streets
I can not compete with these city streets
I am the only busker on John Street
I am the only busker on John Street
I gather up my nickels and I throw them in the hat
And the man looks at me like I am crazy to do that
But he’s been here as long as me
And I have somewhere else to be
But he doesn’t …no he doesn’t
I am the only busker on John Street
I am the only busker on John Street
I am the only busker on John Street
I am the only busker on John Street
And I can not compete with these city streets.
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