Harry Chapin
Six String Orchestra
[Verse 1]
The very day I purchased it, I christened my guitar
As my monophonic symphony six string orchestrar
In my room I'd practice late, they'd leave me alone
My mother said, "You're nothing yet to make the folks write home."

[Verse 2]
I'd play at all the talent nights, I'd finish, they'd applaud
Some called it muffled laughter, I just figured they were awed
So I went up for an encore, but they screamed they'd had enough
Oh, maybe I just need a group to help me do my stuff

[Chorus]
And so I dream a bass will join me and fill the bottom in
And maybe now some lead guitar so it would not sound so thin
I need some drums to set the beat and help me keep in time
And way back in the distance, some strings would sound so fine
And we'd all play together like fine musicians should
And it would sound like music and the music would sound good
But in real life, I'm stuck with that same old formula
Me and my monophonic symphony six string orchestra

[Verse 3]
I write love songs for my favorite girl and sing them soft and slow
But before I get to finish, she says she has to go
She's nice and says "Excuse me, I've got to find a bar
I think I need refreshment before I hear you play guitar"
[Verse 4]
I sent a demo tape I made to the record companies
Two came back address unknown, one came back C.O.D
Of course I got form letters all saying pleasant things
Like suggesting I should find a trade where I would not have to sing

[Chorus]
And so I dream a bass will join me and fill the bottom in
And maybe now some lead guitar so it would not sound so thin
I need some drums to set the beat and help me keep in time
And way back in the distance, some strings would sound so fine
And we'd all play together like fine musicians should
And it would sound like music and the music would sound good
But in real life, I'm stuck with that same old formula
Me and my monophonic symphony six string orchestra

[Verse 5]
I've been taking guitar lessons, but my teacher just took leave
It was something about a breakdown or needing a reprieve
I know I found my future, so I will persevere
And hold onto my dream of making music to their ears

[Chorus]
And so I dream a bass will join me and fill the bottom in
And maybe now some lead guitar so it would not sound so thin
I need some drums to set the beat and help me keep in time
And way back in the distance, some strings would sound so fine
And we'd all play together like fine musicians should
And it would sound like music and the music would sound good
But in real life, I'm stuck with that same old formula
Me and my monophonic symphony six string orchestra