Miriam Makeba

Down On The Corner

Miriam Makeba


Early in the evenin' just about supper time 
Over by the courthouse, starting to unwind 
Four kids on the corner trying to bring you up 
Willy picks a tune out, he blows it on the harp 

Down on the corner, out in the street 
Willy and the poor boys are playin' 
Bring a nickel, tap your feet 

Rooster hits the washboard and people just got to smile 
Blinky thumps the gut bass and solos for a while 
Poor boy twangs the rhythm out on his kalamazoo 
Willy goes into a dance and doubles on kazoo 

You don't need a penny just to hang around 
But if you've got a nickel, won't you lay your money down 
Over on the corner there's a happy noise 
People come from all around to watch the magic boys