One fine day as I was a-walkin' down the street
Spied a big man's rags up on his feet
Took a penny from my pocket
In his tin cup I did drop it
I heard him say as I made my retreat
May the bird of paradise fly up your nose
May an elephant caress you in his toes
May your wife be black with runners in her hose
May the bird of paradise fly up your nose
Not a laundry man who's really on his toes
Found a hundred dollar bill among my clothes
What do you call me?
I came running
Gave him back his dime for phoning
I heard him say as I turned to go
May the bird of paradise fly up your nose
May an elephant caress you in his toes
May your wife be black with runners in her hose
May the bird of paradise fly up your nose
I was way behind one day to catch a train
The taxi driver said we'll make it just the same
A speed cop made it with us
And as he rode out the ticket
I stood by politely waiting for my change
May the bird of paradise fly up your nose
May an elephant caress you in his toes
May your wife be black with runners in her hose
May your wife be black with runners in her hose
May the bird of paradise fly up your nose
May the bird of paradise fly up your nose
May an elephant caress you in his toes
May your wife be black with runners in her hose