Once there was a little man
And they called him Shoe Shine Stan
Everyday the man would sweep
Clutter from the busy streetSeldom did he say a word
At least that anybody heard
Well, there was something in his face
That could never be erasedCould it be true? I understand
The meaning of that shoe shine man
Could it be true? I understand
The meaning of that shoe shine manAnd like a little paper pup
He looked up from the broken cup
He drank his morning coffee in
And wiped the dribbles from his chinThen I felt his eyes meet mine
And he made a little whine
He came within an inch or two
And then he whispered, "I hate you"Could it be true? I understand
The meaning of that shoe shine manOnce I had some pets
And I let them starve to death
It was a silly little monkey
And a big white easter bunnyThey lived in little cages
And sometimes in rages
I would turn them upside down
And drag the bunny all around