(Paul Simon) A long time ago, yeah Before you was born dude When I was still single And life was great I held this job as a traveling salesman That kept me moving from state to state Well, I'm standing on the corner of Lafayette State of Louisiana Wondering where a city boy could go To get a little conversation Drink a little red wine Catch a little bit of those Cajun girls Dancing to Zydeco Along come a young girl She's pretty as a prayerbook Sweet as an apple on Christmas day I said good gracious can this be my luck If that's my prayerbook Lord let us pray Well, I'm standing on the corner of Lafayette State of Louisiana Wondering where a city boy could go To get her in a conversation Drink a little red wine Dance to the music of Clifton Chenier The King of the Bayou Well, that was your mother And that was your father Before you was born dude When life was great You are the burden of my generation I sure do love you But let's get that straight Well, I'm standing on the corner of Lafayette Across the street from The Public Heading down to the Lone Star Cafe Maybe get a little conversation Drink a little red wine Standing in the shadow of Clifton Chenier Dancing the night away