AND THE BAND PLAYED

a.k.a. TOKYO
a.k.a. BORN TO WIN
a.k.a. SHANGHAI

Studio version

The hook hung like a shadow on a rung over Shanghai
The Firemen were returning home screaming "Banzai"
And the reindeers played games
And got hurt in the rain
As I listened to the broadcast
Oh blow me down, now Tokyo cause I'm sinkin' fast

The legendary chaplain of the fightin' 51st was gettin' ready to go
I said "Padre, do you know a cheap virgin who likes to tango?"
He said "You can try Rosa Lee"
Around the corner and across the sea
Ohhhhhh word's out that she's fast
Well then bust me down now Rosie 'cause I'm sinkin' fast

And the cats are sure getting fat
Down in the train yard
Sandman brings them dreams
To ship out in boxcars
The union says hold, break out the dice, and the gold
It's lunchtime at last

Whoa Stage Mama said "George's raft tonight on the late show"
She sits straddlin' a kitchen chair, really gung-ho
She shivers with chills, wet with her slot car thrills
Hypnotically lost in the glass
And the sunrise
And we all sigh
As we watch the credits pass

And the morning cloak fell down
Like a hoax over Sleepytown
Them garbage truck vigilantes were out making their last rounds
The inheritor sipped beer
And made fun of the queer
Threatenin' to kick his ass

But the bell rings, a horn blows
Pump that gas
Ohhhhh pumping gas

This studio demo was recorded in Jun-Jul 1972 at the Media And 914 Sound Studios, Blauvelt, NY. It features Bruce alone on the piano. Much more different vocally than other demos of this era, this song was also a feature of Bruce's live set during the early 70's. Lyrically it is just as sprawling and delightfully confused as other songs of the time.

Also check the 24 Apr 1973 and the 03 Jun 1974 versions.