[Verse 1]
The ice cream man, he's a hillbilly fan
Got 78s by Hank Snow
Walks down the street shufflin' his feet
To a rhythm that only he knows

[Verse 2]
And I've seen him in so many places
I saw him the night I was born
In a Bourbon Street bar, I received my first scar
From an old man so tattered and torn

[Chorus 1]
And the wino and I know the pain of street singin'
Like a door-to-door salesman knows the pains of bell ringin'
Strange situation, wild occupation
Livin' my life like a song

[Verse 3]
Coffee is strong at the Café du Monde
Donuts are too hot to touch
Just like a fool, when those sweet goodies cool
I eat 'til I eat way too much

[Verse 4]
'Cause I'm livin' on things that excite me
Be they pastry or lobster or love
I'm just tryin' to get by bein' quiet and shy
In a world full of pushin' and shove
[Chorus 2]
And the wino and I know the pain of back bustin'
Like the farmer knows the pain of his pickup truck rustin'
Strange situation, wild occupation
Livin' my life like a song

[Bridge]
Sweet señorita, won't you please come with me?
Back to the island, honey, back to the sea
Back to the only place that I want to be

[Chorus 3]
And the wino and I know the joy of the ocean
Like a boy knows the joy of his milkshake in motion
Strange situation, wild occupation
Livin' my life like a song

[Refrain]
Yes, it's a strange situation, a wild occupation
Livin' my life like a song