Hey, there! Log in / Register

Charlie on the MTA updated

While 'neath the streets of Boston, Anna Seda on cello, Jacob Deck on Celtic harp and Ben Rechel on bass play their updated version of the classic Boston song:

Here are lyrics for the extended version (h/t Alasdair):

Let me tell you all a story 'bout a man named Charlie
On a tragic and fateful day
He got driven to his office, gave a speech, took some photos
And shut down the MBTA!
(Chorus)
And will it ever return? It had better return
And be better than before (NO FIRES!)
Will our public transit ever actually function?
By now, we can’t be sure.
If you're in Back Bay and you gotta go to Malden
Or from Cambridge to Jamaica Plain
Hope you've got four wheels, or two extra hours
'Cuz you won't get there on the train.
We'll be late to our jobs, and late to our classes
And we're dreading September 1st
Could have done this two years ago when nobody was riding
Now this timing could not be worse.
(Chorus)
And will it ever return? It had better return
And be better than before (NO FIRES!)
Will our public transit ever actually function?
By now, we can’t be sure.
Oh, the workers said "give the T more money
Or the system will surely fail!"
Charlie said "why fund when we can privatize it --
It sure worked for the commuter rail!"
Then it got so bad that the Feds came around
And they said "this is all unfit:
Broken tracks, understaffing, and safety violations,
We must say you're in some deep shit."
(Chorus)
And will it ever return? It had better return
And be better than before (NO FIRES!)
Will our public transit ever actually function?
By now, we can’t be sure.
So the Orange Line, and the Green Line Extension
All shut down for a month, it's true! (TWO WEEKS' NOTICE!)
And the way things are going, it probably won't be long
Till he shuts down the Red Line too.
The director of the T said we should work from home but
if you can't things are looking grim
If your daily commute crosses any rivers
They just hope you know how to swim.
(Chorus)
And will it ever return? It had better return
And be better than before (NO FIRES!)
Will our public transit ever actually function?
By now, we can’t be sure.
Now you citizens of Boston, don't you think it's such a pity
Charlie's so out of touch with us?
Someone bribe his chauffeur, stick a nail in his tires
And make Charlie ride the fucking bus!
(Chorus)
And will it ever return? It had better return
And be better than before (NO FIRES!)
Will our public transit ever actually function?
By now, we can’t be sure.

Topics: 


Ad:


Like the job UHub is doing? Consider a contribution. Thanks!

Comments

T management is not amused and Chief Greens "papers please" police officers will check you for permits and kick you out of the station or arrest you if you refuse to stop performing.

up
Voting closed 0

Walter A. O'Brien was fined $10 for disturbing the peace for playing the original "M.T.A." song from a loudspeaker on his campaign truck in 1948.

up
Voting closed 0

The GoFundMe fundraising for arrest, bail and court costs will be through the roof.

The horrible, no good, very bad publicity for arresting or charging them will be deadly for the T. Peaceful protests come in many forms. Music is one of the most important.

up
Voting closed 0

Art.

up
Voting closed 0

Set up a rig like this: https://www.boston.com/news/local-news/2022/08/12/a-cars-speakers-were-s...

Or put the speakers in a bike trailer. That works too.

Then play this refreshed song while cruising Puritan Lane in Swampscott to let Charlie know how much we all love how he cleverly Forward Funded the MBTA into the toilet!

Preferably at 2am.

Or maybe while leading a conga line through and around Swampscott all day ... maybe a bike/ped/car blockade of Swampscott?

I think it may be time for an initiative petition stripping all elected officials of their mileage and parking subsidies.

up
Voting closed 0

But I'll stick with the Kingston Trio.

up
Voting closed 0

They changed Walter A. O'Brien's name to George so as not to be labelled Communists.

up
Voting closed 0

Create an MP3, throw on iTunes and use the money for an MBTA users support fund.
Peace/out

up
Voting closed 0

This is wonderful in many ways. Is there a way to contact them to buy the song or donate to help them record so I can buy? I grew up hearing that song in bars and think this rendition follows the original spirit and should be played at the airport after they say “welcome to Boston!”

up
Voting closed 0

Nuff said.

up
Voting closed 0