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In this final number, Gilly delivers a rousing eulogy for his dear departed friend, James Eads How. He shares the story of how he met him, and how much he inspired and galvanized him.

lyrics

Spoken

GILLY

As I sing this final song, I will call upon you, my brothers and sisters, for

your voices. And you shall respond in kind.

Barefoot and twenty

Not a nickel to my name

Chicago winter out for blood

King of the hobos

Good ole James How

I was crying in a jungle

From the dark he called me close

Asked me for my story

Lent an ear

King of the hobos

Good ole James How

God he was clever

He was so damn clever

When I begged for change he shook his head

Took off the shoes he wore and gave them to me

With a smile and a piece of bread

At the hobo college

Where I learned to read and write

James saw the hope I once forgot

King of the hobos

Good ole James How

Saw us ‘bos as people

This forgotten little tribe

Travelled ‘round the country

Spreadin’ joy

King of the hobos

Good ole James How

God he was simple

He was so damn simple

Left a half a million to be free

The way he saw it

Weren’t no point in havin’ riches

Comin’ by so easily

Five days ago

In the middle of the night

He caught the westbound

Made his peace

King of the hobos

Good ole James How

Lord you never made a man

So lovin’ kind

And now he’s gone

His body free

King of the hobos

Good ole James How

They’ve got a service

Taking place this evenin’

Volunteered to speak

They want me mum

Don’t want my kind around

I’m a blemish on his nature

Just another filthy bum

Now I’ve got nothin’

But this weathered old guitar

And a homely face to tell my tale

King of the hobos

Good ole James How

All of you have moments

You can ease each other’s pain

Shoulder up the wounded

Sing and grin

King of the hobos

Good ole James How

God he was clever

He was so damn clever

When I begged for change

He shook his head

He shook his head

Took off the shoes he wore and gave them to me

With a smile and a piece of bread

And the things he said

And the life he led

It’s the path I tread

He tole me

Gonna teach you letters

Put some chalk into my palm

Gonna start you readin’

With the 107th

They wandered in the wilderness

In a solitary way

Psalm:

They found no other city

To dwell in...

King of the hobos

King of the hobos

King of the hobos

Good ole James How

credits

from King of the Hobos - Cast Recording, released November 2, 2014

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about

King of the Hobos image

King of the Hobos New York, New York

Jara Jones is an actor, singer/songwriter, and poet residing in New York City.
You can find more songs, poems and rambles on his site:
www.jarajones.com

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