AND THE BAND PLAYED

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

03 Jun 1974 version

Well the moon hung like a shadow on a rung over Sleepytown
The midnight shift was returning home with their pants down
And the kids were still playing the games
Gettin' busted dancin' out in the rain
And I sat inside listening to the broadcast
Well save my soul sweet rock & roll 'cause I'm sinkin' fast
And then the band played
Everybody, all night long

Well now 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
Oh word is out, word is out she's fast
Well blow me down now Rosie 'cause I'm sinkin' fast
Oh one time

And them cats are sure getting fat
Down in the train yard
And the sandman brings them dreams
To ship out in the boxcars
Well the union says hold, break out the dice and the gold
It's lunchtime, baby its 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 card thrills
Hypnotically lost in the past
And we all sigh with the sunrise
And we watch the credits pass

And then the morning cloak fell down
Like a hoax over Sleepytown
Them garbage truck vigilantes were out shaking and smashing them cows around
The inheritor he sipped his beer
And he poked cute fun at the queer
And threatened, threatened to kick his ass

And the bell rings, the horn blew
And I was outside pumpin' gas
What am I gonna do?

These lyrics refer to the version performed on 03 Jun 1974 at The Agora, Cleveland, OH. 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 studio and the 24 Apr 1973 versions.