a long walk
city street
funk band
back beat 
cool breeze
hot heat
loose change
sweat sweet

i spend my life tryin' to dodge the noose 
it's hard to focus when your head is on loose
from the front of the bus back to the caboose
with a little girl smilin' from her momma's papoose

the smell of smoke in her sweet summer hair
sun-kissed beauty leave me gasping for air
thought nothin' could break my stare
but this dirty bum yappin' in his underwear
he said
"hey there kid, take a look at this band
straight to the streets from a far off land
now i know your momma told you not to speak with me man
but your long way home with some coin in your hand"

to which i replied it's much appreciated
that you took the time but your question is negated  
'cause my momma told me not to lose your head
milk, butter, eggs don't forget the bread

I learn a lesson, give it away

now this next cat, he look extra mean
a crooked smile that was aimed to please
he shot a quick look, stepped in front of me
and from his pocket pulls those magic beans

he said
"try a bit
take a hit
c'mon now you can handle it"

so i give in
foolish sin
i give him all my money
and i dive right in

and how things change
yet stay the same look so close
yet drift away