Down at the Astoria the scene was changing,
Long live rock
People walk in sideways, pretending that they're leaving
Long live rock, etc.
Landslide
The place is really jumping to the Hi-Watt amps,
Long live rock, etc.
Bingo and rock were pushing out X-rating.
We were the first band to vomit in the bar,
And find the distance to the stage too far.
(Meanwhile it's getting late at ten o'clock)
Rock is dead they say--long live rock
I need it every night
Long live rock
Come on and join the line
Long live rock
Be it dead or alive.
We put on our makeup and work out all the lead-ins
Jack is in the alley, selling tickets made in Hong Kong.
Promoter's in the pay-box wondering where the band's gone
(Back in the pub, the guvnor stops the clock)
Rock is dead they say--long live rock
Rocks-a-falling.
Falling down 'round our very heads
We tried,
But you were yawning
Look again--rock is dead.
Rock is dead. Rock is dead.
Till a twenty-inch cymbal fell and cut the lamps.
In the blackout they dance right into the aisle.
And as the doors fly open even the promoter smiles.
Someone takes his pants off and the rafters knock.
Rock is dead they say--long live rock.
I got lost in the back streets,
There are bands killing chickens,
'Twas a beautiful day in Columbus
Take a glass of that light brown ale
There are band killing chickens,
Trying to get here tonight.
The police were asking questions,
They took me to the wrong place twice.
I even lost my passport,
And I forgot my name and town.
But now I'm here by the water...
Put the money down.
Before I walk on the water,
Put the money down, down, down.
My hero's getting pushed around.
I don't know if I trust you
As you try to shoot me down,
Before I walk on the water,
Put the money down, down, down.
Put the money down.
When the fences fell.
But the five loaves and the fishes
Ain't gonna be much help.
I've got a hungry juggler here
Who wants to keep ahead.
Before he walks on the water,
He's gotta have his bread.
And a purple pill.
If the ale don't get you to,
Sure as hell, pill will.
Oh mommy, mommy, please may I go downtown?
He's gonna walk on the water.
Put the money down, ooh yeah, put it down!
Before I walk on the water
Put the money down.
My hero's getting pushed around, round, round.
I don't know if I trust you,
As you try to shoot me down,
I'm gonna walk on the water,
Put the money down, down, down, down, down
Put the money down,
Put it in the tin cup!
How can I explain how I feel?
I play guitar in a mainstream band
She moved her seat next to mine
My confidence eroded away
I know your man is into playing jazz bass
Every lie I tell
I came so close to having you for me
You waited but deep in your eyes
I got two 'undred records and a big hi-fi
I'm like a little kid runnin' at her heel
She's givin' me looks like I'm some kind of snappy dresser
How can I tell what I should plan?
I've never kissed a girl or held her hand
She's waiting for me to move,
I've got to impress her
I got three red jackets and a Fender Jazz
I got Charlie Parker's autograph
The girl I move with's run up on grass
But I'm just playin' for time
I ain't got the guts, to let her see the real me
Overhearing what children say
So I'm trying to make myself seem more appealing
I tried that myself but I need more space
Like to soar and fly like the big Birdman
When I met him last week, he shook my hand
Weaves another spell
Another road that ends up blind
The "Bird" that shook my hand
Was a wanted man
I think you knew that all the time
But I lost you in the fantasy
I pretended to myself that you were mine already
You were watching me so worldly wise
Then you changed the subject and talked about going steady
I sit and listen to Ella and Basie all night
I play modern jazz of every variety
You could come and listen but we close tonight...