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The Wino And I Know

by Jimmy Buffett

from the album Living and Dying in 3/4 Time

Lyrics

The ice cream man he’s a hillbilly fan
He’s got seventy-eights by Hank Snow
Walks down the street, shufflin’ his feet
To the rhythm that only he knows
And I’ve seen him in so many places
I saw him the night I was born
In a Bourbon Street bar I received my first scar
From an old man so tattered and torn

And the Wino and I know the pains of street singin’
Like the door-to-door salesman knows
the pains of bell ringin’
It’s a strange situation
a wild occupation
Living my life like a song

Well the coffee is strong
at the Cafe Du Monde
And the donuts are too hot to touch
But just like a fool, when those
sweet goodies cool, I ate ’til I ate way too much
Cause I’m livin’ on things that excite me
Be they pastries or lobsters or love
I’m just tryin’ to get by being quiet and shy
In a world full of pushin’ and shove

And the Wino and I know the pains of backbustin’
Like the farmer knows the pain of his pick-up truck rustin’
It’s a strange situation, a wild occupation
Living my life like a song

Sweet Senorita, Won’t you please come with me
Back to the island, honey, back to the sea
Back to the only place that I want to be

And the Wino and I know the joys of the ocean
Like a boy knows the joys of his milkshake
in motion
It’s a strange situation, a wild occupation
Living my life like a song
Yes, It’s a strange situation, a wild occupation
Living my life like a song

Jimmy’s Note:

This was a song I wrote after listening to Gordon Lightfoot, who has been a great influence on my style. Gordon takes uncommon subject matter and turns it into lyrics that make you listen to what the singer is saying. With all the passing trends of the last two decades, I still haven’t changed my style of writing. A good story is never out of fashion. Thanks, God.