Spoken:
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 m. t. a., 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!

(eight bar guitar, banjo introduction)

Well, let me tell you of the story of a man named charley on a
Tragic and fateful day.
He put ten cents in his pocket, kissed his wife and family, went
To ride on the m. t. a.
Chorus:
Well, did he ever return? no, he never returned and his fate is
Still unknown. (what a pity! poor ole charlie. shame and
Scandal. he may ride forever. just like paul revere.)
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.

(chorus)

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
Rocksbury?"

(chorus)

Charlie's wife goes down to the sculley square station every day
At quarter past two,
And through the open window she hands charlie a sandwich as the
Train comes rumblin' through.

(chorus)

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'brien! get poor
Charlie off the m. t. a.

(chorus)

He's the man who never returned. he's the man who never
Returned. ain't you charlie?