[Verse 1]
While out sailing on the ocean, while out sailing on the sea
I bumped into the Savior and He said, "Pardon me"
I said, "Jesus, you look tired", he said, "Jesus, so do you
Won't you sit down, son 'cause I got some fat to chew?"

[Chorus]
See, everybody needs somebody that they can talk to
Someone to open up their ears and let that trouble through
Now you don't have to sympathize or care what they may do
But everybody needs somebody that they can talk to

[Verse 2]
Well he spoke to me of morality, starvation, pain, and sin
Matter of fact the whole dang time I only got a few words in
But I won't squawk, let him talk, hell, it's been a long long time
And any friend that's been turned down is bound to be a friend of mine

[Chorus]
'Cause everybody needs somebody that they can talk to
Someone to open up their ears and let that trouble through
Now you don't have to sympathize or care what they may do
But everybody needs somebody that they can talk to
Pick it!

[Instrumental Break]
[Verse 3]
Now we sat there for an hour or two just a-eatin' that Gospel pie
When around the bend come a terrible wind and lightning lit the sky
He said, "So long, son, I gotta run, I appreciate you listening to me"
And I believe I heard him sing these words as he skipped out across the sea

[Chorus]
Hey everybody needs somebody that they can talk to
Someone to open up their ears and let that trouble through
Now you don't have to sympathize or care what they may do
But everybody needs somebody that they can talk to

[Outro]
Everybody needs somebody that they can talk to