A panhandler's anthem. Recorded March 2008 with Dan Doshier on mandolin and Darrin Wayne on harmonica. Rhythm guitar and vocal by me.
Solo songwriter/guitarist.
Lyrics
[4/4, fast & sprightly]
FREE-RANGE PERSON
--J. Wrabek
1.
I’m glad I caught your eye while you were stopped at the light;
Like the sign? I made it up today;
It says when they passed out the money, they forgot to give me any
But you can help take care of that before you drive away.
CHORUS:
The air’s pretty sweet on my side of the road,
Where the grass grows and dandelions bloom;
I’m a free-range person, my prospects are uncertain
But I ain’t in such a hurry as you.
2.
I don’t punch a clock, and I don’t run when I can walk
And I wear the same clothes ev’ry day;
Got no job and no house, and no mortgage and no spouse—
I’m an example to others, but of what I couldn’t say.
CHORUS:
The air’s pretty sweet on my side of the road,
Where the grass grows and dandelions bloom;
I’m a free-range person, my prospects are uncertain
But I ain’t in such a hurry as you.
3.
If your girlfriend or your work left you no time to go to church,
Don’t be afraid—help is here today
Just be generous to me, I’m a drive-up charity,
And you can still go t’ Heaven if you give and go away.
CHORUS:
The air’s pretty sweet on my side of the road,
Where the grass grows and dandelions bloom;
I’m a free-range person, my prospects are uncertain
But I ain’t in such a hurry as you.
4.
I remember hot showers, and meals without a sermon,
And the smell of a woman that ain’t wantin’ to get paid;
I miss them now and then, like a fellow misses prison—
But I traded gthem for freedom, and I like the deal I made.
CHORUS:
The air’s pretty sweet on my side of the road,
Where the grass grows and dandelions bloom;
I’m a free-range person, my prospects are uncertain
But I ain’t in such a hurry as you.
5.
Call me unfortunate, I don’t mind it—happiness is where you find it—
I’m out every day, and nearly ev’ry night;
And I’ll still be here tomorrow, while you’re rushing off to somewhere,
Waitin’ for donations at the changing of the light.
CHORUS:
The air’s pretty sweet on my side of the road,
Where the grass grows and dandelions bloom;
I’m a free-range person, my prospects are uncertain
But I ain’t in such a hurry as you.
REPEAT CHORUS TO END
©2008 J. Wrabek dba Outside Services Ltd. All the usual rights reserved just in case. No panhandlers were harmed in the writing of this song.
