Young man in a bus station
Travelin’ who knows where
Had his guitar with him
People would stare

See the boy had long hair
His clothes were rags
He carried his belongings
In grocery bags

The boy took his guitar from its case
And tuned it with care
People did their best to ignore him
Shot him glances when they dared

Then the boy started singing
And softly strummed the guitar
The people kept their distance
And listened from afar

(the boy sang)

I long for people to sing to
I ache to give you my song CHORUS
If you’d only listen a little while
I promise I won’t take too long

The people showed little interest
The drunks murmured in their sleep
Except for one girl who came closer
Dragging her stuff in a heap

She appeared to be fascinated
By the boy and his song
She sat on the floor in front of him
And tried to sing along

(as he sang)

CHORUS

He was startled by the sound of her voice
And asked her her name
She said she was Sarah
She said it seemed like a dream

To meet someone who showed his feelings
And didn’t care what people thought
He told her that wasn’t true
It was apathy he fought


(he sang)

CHORUS

The bus he was waiting for
Finally arrived
She changed her plans and went along
She felt so much more alive

That’s the last that I saw of them
They boarded the bus and were gone
I doubt I’ll ever see them again
But I’ll remember his song

(and I’ll sing)

CHORUS

I promise I won’t take too long
I promise I won’t take too long

10/10/1979

Posted on 09/24/2001
Copyright © 2026 Rick Hamrick