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 man have been threatened. Today, a new crisis has

Arisen. The Metropolitan Transit Authority, better

Known as the MTA, 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 Charley

On a tragic and fateful day

He put ten cents in his pocket, kissed his wife and family

Went to ride on the MTA

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

Charley 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"

Charley couldn't get off of that train

But did he ever return? No, he never returned

And his fate is still unlearned (Poor old Charley)

He may ride forever 'neath the streets of Boston

He's the man who never returned

Now, all night long, Charley 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 (Sad as can be)

He may ride forever 'neath the streets of Boston

He's the man who never returned

Charley's wife goes down to the Scollay Square station

Every day at quarter past two

And through the open window, she hands Charley a sandwich

As the train comes rumblin' through

But 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, Davy)

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 Charley off the MTA

Or else he'll never return, no, he'll never return

And his fate is still unlearned (Just like father, dear)

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

Et tu, Charley?