Talking Candy Bar Blues

 

Back in ‘05, one of my readers at Free Republic, Judith Anne, was kind enough to respond to my column, “Child Molester Hysteria in New York,” by posting these lyrics, from circa 1970.
 

Peter, Paul, and Mary
(Spoken story with guitar accompaniment)

Bought a candy bar the other day,
Only ate half, s’gonna throw the rest away
When I saw this kid playin’ in the street,
I said, “Hey kid, you want somethin’ to eat?”
He said, “Whut?”
I said, “Candy, son.” he said, “Help!”
Then he started to run,
And I stood there,
Watchin’ him go,
Half a bar of chocolate
Runnin’ down my fingers.

Well, the kid comes back in a minute or two,
But his mom’s with him, and the neighbors, too,
And they got the kid scared it’s plain to see,
They say, “which one done it?” he points at me,
He says “him,” I say, “What do you mean?”
He says, “You!” then he starts to scream,
And I’m standin,’ everybody’s lookin,’
Everybody’s starin’ -at me- ... (nervous laugh)

“Howdy doody...y’all waitin’ for the bus?
Ah ... a little late isn’t it ... anybody got a watch? ...
We could uh see how late it is ...
I got a better idea, let’s find somebody with a watch,
And stare at him!”

Well some start pickin’ up baseball bats,
And the others are pullin’ the pins from their hats -
“I think this thing’s gone a little too far,
Hell, I only offered him a candy bar!” I said “wait!”
I said “what are you doin’?”
They said “pre-vert, the kid’s life is ruined!”
“Oh...oh well, then you better check what he’s chewin,’
‘Cause i got the feelin,’
He’s in the middle of a bubble gum orgy!”

Well, they’re comin’ at me, and I’m backin’ away,
And then I hear this policeman say,
“Are you positive he’s the right man?”
(I quick flicked the candy bar out of my hand),
He says “show me,”
I says, “Show ya what?”
He says,“The candy bar you degen-a-rut,” and he grabs me,
He grabs both my hands,
Pretty easy to see ...
Which hand’s got the chocolate!

Well I’ve had some troubled times before,
But none like the trip from the candy store ...
Sympathize with the kid all right,
Somebody’s nice to ya, probably ain’t right,
I’ll grow up, I’ll learn the way,
I’ll learn so that my later days’ll be prosperous,
(chocolate covered) ...
If I don’t bite off more than I can hide.