The old man wandered the streets
trying the best he could,
wondering where he would sleep tonight
in this desolate neighborhood.

It's been a while since he has eaten
his hands begin to shake,
he knows he can't go on like this
it's about all that he can take.

He sees the bag lady across the street
with her beat-up shopping cart,
the sadness and trouble he sees everyday
is enough to break your heart.

The gangs, the pushers, the prostitutes
all roam the streets at night,
danger lurks around every corner
from dusk to morning's light.

The mission up the street a ways
offers a meal for those in need,
these angels of mercy do their best
for the many that they feed.

The old man must now leave you
with a message you should hear,
"Listen to what I tell you
and please don't shed a tear.

Don't take your life for granted
that everything will go your way,
for everything you now have
may be taken away someday.

It could be YOU sleeping in boxes
and eating out of a can,
all people like us can do
is to ask for a helping hand.

Life is full of twists and turns
you can get lost along the way,
if I had follwed my OWN advice
I wouldn't be here today."