I was sitting on my expectation Waiting for some validation I was far away from home So far from my home Waiting in a crowded room Talking with some people whom I'd met before They were traveling musicians just like me And I was basking in the comfort of their company Then there came a knock upon the door And a tower in my profession Walked into the room And people I was talking to They couldn't leave too soon And though I should know better I was star struck and babbled like a loon I said it's awfully nice to meet you It's an honor and a pleasure And you're a national treasure And I hope we can make some future plans Then he turned to me and said Don't be a silly man, don't be a silly man He said I don't need your worship or your praise It's a real conversation that I crave It's a real, it's a real, ooh We talked about our virtues and our crimes We talked about the nature of these tenuous times How our constant search for immortality will always be denied I said it's awfully nice to meet you It's an honor and a pleasure And you're a national treasure And I hope we can make some plans Then he turned to me and said Don't be a silly man, don't be a silly man I don't need your worship or your praise It's a real conversation that I crave It's a real, real, real, real It's a real conversation that I crave Don't be a silly man Don't be a silly man, oh no It's a real, real, real conversation that I crave Oh yes, it is, don't be a silly, silly man