Ian Anderson - Big Riff And Mando lyrics

Marty loved the sound of the stolen mandolin Somebody took it on a dare in the night-time Run up to the radio, calling out to the wind Now, bring it, bring it back at least an hour before flight time It was a souvenir, but it was a right arm missing Swap a woodwork rhythm for a humbucking top line Big Riff, rough boy, wants to be a singer in a band A little slow in the brain box, but he had a quick right hand Run left, run right --- everywhere he look --- Nobody watching, no, but that was All he took last night Running on the power of a stolen mandolin Steal a little inspiration. Steal a little muscle Will he wake in the morning, wondering --- was it really worth it? So make a little deal, Yeah, make a little hustle Ringing on the radio --- got a proposition for those English boys I'll make the sing-song --- you can make the background noise One, two, three, four --- one bar and in Give you back the mando, if you'll let this singer sing tonight Marty loved the sound of the stolen mandolin Big Riff took it on a dare in the night-time Now it's four o'clock, and we're waiting at the sound-check Looking for a face staring in from the sunshine We got two strong lawmen from the sheriff's office They're going to lift Big Riff before he plays the first line Big Riff, rough boy, wants to be a singer in a band Yeah, help him on the stage now, put that microphone in his hand Think hard, think right --- nothing in his mind --- So Riff did a runner, but he left the mandolin behind