Waiting For The Man
(1972 live version Santa Monica)

(Lou A. Reed)



I'm waiting for the man
Twenty-six dollars in my hand
Ah up to Lexington 125
So sick and dirty more dead than alive
I'm waiting for the man
Hey white boy, what you doin' in town?
Hey white boy, you're chasing all the women around
Oh pardon me sir it's the last thing on my mind
I'm just looking for a very good friend of mine
I'm waiting for the man - la-la-la-la

Yeah he comes, he's all dressed in black
Oh Creole shoes baby and a big straw hat
He's never early, he's always late
First thing you learn is that you always gotta wait
I'm waiting for the man

Brownstone building, up three flights of stairs
Nobody stops you, 'cos nobody cares
He's got the works and it gives you sweet taste
But then you gotta split me 'cos you got no time to waste
I'm waiting for the man
Baby don't you holler, darling don't you bawl and shout
Oh I'm feeling good yeah, gonna work it on out
Yeah I'm feeling so good, I'm feeling so fine
Until tomorrow but that's just another time
I'm waiting for the man
Down where you at here

I'm waiting for the man
Twenty-six dollars in my hand
Up to Lexington 125
So sick and dirty more dead than alive
I'm waiting for the man


First recorded by Bowie with The Riot Squad on 5th April 1967. Live version from the Civic Auditorium, Santa Monica, Los Angeles, USA on 20th October 1972.