Sittin’ in the town square lookin’ at my watch
Checkin’ for your corduroy pants
Nervously pickin’ at a chocolate bar
Laughin’ at the word “romance”
Wonderin’ did I get the time right
Through the crackle of the telephone
A bird flutters to my feet and starts peckin’ away
At the remnants of an ice cream cone

Chorus:
You were supposed to be there
You were supposed to be there
You were supposed to be there, be there
If it’s a joke it’s not fair
Maybe you dyed your hair
You were supposed to be there
You were supposed to be there
You were supposed to be there

Couples stroll by, very busy with each other
Nothin’ in the world exists
Some kid asked money from an old man
“Dirty beggar,” the old man hissed
I buy a newspaper and I stare at the words
But the headlines go unread
My boots chip away at a piece of red ice
Where someone must’ve fallen and bled

Chorus

Tossin’ a quarter to a little brass band
Watchin’ the slide trombone
Christmas Eve shoppers buy last minute gifts
Then hurry their packages home
I didn’t really think she’d make it anyway
Streets are clogged with snow
So what if my fingers get frostbit
Easy come-easy go

Chorus

(lyrics: Dan Bern)