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!

Well, let me tell you of the story of a man named Charlie
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

Well did he ever return, no he never returned
And his fate is still unlearned (what a pity)
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.

But did he ever return, no he never returned
And his fate is still unlearned (poor old Charlie)
He may ride forever 'neath the streets of Boston
He's the man who never returned

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 Roxbury?"

But did he ever return, no he never returned
And his fate is still unlearned (shame and scandal)
He may ride forever 'neath the streets of Boston
He's the man who never returned

Charlie's wife goes down to the Scollay Square station
Every day at quarter past two
And through the open window she hands Charlie a sandwich
As the train comes rumblin' through.

Well did he ever return, no he never returned
And his fate is still unlearned (he may ride forever)
He may ride forever 'neath the streets of Boston
He's the man who never returned (pick it, Davey)

Now you citizens of Boston don't cha think it's a scandal
How the people have to pay and pay
Fight the fare increase, vote for George O'Brian!
Get poor Charlie off the M-T-A!

Or else he'll never return, no he'll never return
And his fate is still unlearned (just like always)
He may ride forever 'neath the streets of Boston
He's the man who never returned
He's the man who never returned
He's the man who never returned

Copyright: Universal Music Publishing Group
Writer(s): BESS HAWES, JACQUELINE STEINER