[Verse 1]
The manager is waiting to be paid
Along with priests and deacons of his court
A quartermaster, quite a mess, a mistress of the line
Has found a last cent avenue of pain

[Verse 2]
Mardi Gras just passed this way a while ago
Making hungry people of us all
Along the Mississippi you can hear the fiddlers play
Fandangos and boleros to the Lord

[Chorus]
Many trials, many tried
Simple stories are the best
Keep in mind, the wishful kind
Don't want to be like all the rest

[Verse 3]
My uncle was a vicar in the big parade
Selling fountain pens that never write
San Sebastian gamblers never cheat nor lie
They know good fences make good neighbours

[Bridge]
I wish I knew what time of year it was
What kind of people will be there
When gruesome tales of two cities ran
Running all the way
[Verse 4]
Father might have heard his prayers were answered
Inhibitions all the way from home
Consider now, consider that before the deed is done
The blood of consolation runs so true

[Chorus]
Many times, many tried
Simple stories are the best
Keep in mind, the wishful kind
Don't wanna be like all the rest