Harmonica

(to Elvis Costello's "Veronica")

On a farm near the city limits south of town

Bart had skill, played the blues with a harp

And he gave it all he had

And you might have sworn

He could shake the tectonica

Well he liked to use a sixteen hole for the crowds

For intensity, riffs they would fly

He played, so he said,

With the finest reeds

Said they’re made with bronzonica

He played in shows,

Bar mitzvah bands,

On stage harmonica

His will imposed

And all the girls

Stood on their toes

They weeped and danced

And cried for more

Harmonica

Harmonica

Harmonica

Well, the fame rose high

And an album came

And he toured down the coast through the fall

Yes, he lived quite the dream

And no more was he poor

Living large, was divine-ica

Well, on the road for ninety-nine days he played

Losing friends to the world he had found

While the fans all cheered

You could see on his face

That he longed for some calmica

On the tour bus in Florida

The lad, he had a dream about the path
And saw a fork in road for him to choose

A note, so soft, grew loud and then…

He quickly rose

His sweating skin

He eyed harmonica

There by his side

And knew the time

To end the shows           

His dance with fame

Had come to close

Harmonica

Harmonica

Harmonica

Harmonica waits by his favorite chair

Bart smiles in the quiet and still

And he thinks of the fame

That had never seemed right

But when he plays

He remembers that thrill

Now he likes to have his closest friends at his home

They don’t dwell on the things of the past

Having fun with tunes, his notes’ll break the night

And they’ll shake the tectonica

Though fame arose

With clapping hands

The gift harmonica

Was lovely ride

Now quiet time

Is life he chose

He sits with friends

And keeps them close

Harmonica

Harmonica

Harmonica