Story Behind The Song

Based on people I saw on the streets of Detroit as a kid... Daniel Lee to me was embodied in a homeless man I saw playing saxaphone on a street corner.

Song Description

an attempt to give a name and a face to all of those people who are homeless, who fall between the cracks.

Lyrics

DANIEL LEE

Daniel Lee was a mean old man
Kept a half gallon jug in his hand
Made his home in a big gray coat
He?d do anything for a five dollar note
He used to scare me when I was young
My daddy would say ?Don?t you stare at him son?
He?s just a panhandler by the door
Down at the corner grocery store
Still waiting, for that train to come

I heard the stories come later on
He used to be real good on the saxophone
Played every club and watering hole
From Harlem out to Chicago
And all the ladies would bring their men
Just to dance and to hear him sing
They all said he was a sight to see
?till they lost track of Daniel Lee
Still waiting, for that train to come

Where all of the gamblers still hold the cards
And living is not so hard
That train?s got a seat for you and me
And it?s got one there for Daniel Lee

Some say he froze on New Year?s day
The world don?t forgive you when you lose your way
But I saw him down at the switching yard
Wrapped around a bottle trying to warm his heart
He used to scare me when I was young
My daddy would say ?Don?t you stare at him, son.?
Now every homeless face I see still reminds me of Daniel Lee
Still waiting, for that train to come