John Prine

Lyrics

6 ContributorsSabu Visits the Twin Cities Alone LyricsThe movie wasn't really doing so hot
Said the new producer to the old big shot
It's dying on the edge of the great Midwest
Sabu must tour or forever rest

Hey look, Ma, here comes the elephant boy
Bundled all up in his corduroy
Headed down south towards Illinois
From the jungles of East St. Paul

His manager sat in the office alone
Staring at the numbers on the telephone
Wondering how a man could send a child actor
To visit in the land of the wind chill factor

Hey look, Ma, here comes the elephant boy
Bundled all up in his corduroy
Headed down south towards Illinois
From the jungles of East St. Paul

Sabu was sad, the whole tour stunk
The airlines lost the elephant's trunk
The roadie got the rabies and the scabies and the flu
They was low on morale, but they was high on...

Hey look, Ma, here comes the elephant boy
Bundled all up in his corduroy
Headed down south towards Illinois
From the jungles of East St. Paul
From the jungles of East St. Paul
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Sabu Visits the Twin Cities Alone is a song written by the legendary American singer-songwriter, John Prine. It first appeared on his 1972 debut album, John Prine, and has since become a beloved classic among his fans and music lovers. The song is known for its powerful lyrics and melancholic tune, which express themes of loneliness, isolation, and longing. With its soulful tone and poignant lyrics, Sabu Visits the Twin Cities Alone is a testament to John Prine's incredible talent and his unique ability to capture the human experience through his music.

About Sabu Visits the Twin Cities Alone

At its core, Sabu Visits the Twin Cities Alone is a haunting story of a lonely man traveling away from home to an unfamiliar city. The song tells the story of Sabu, a magician from India, who comes to the Twin Cities in Minnesota to perform as a street magician and entertainer. Despite his public persona, he is a deeply lonely man who longs for companionship and human connection.

The song opens with the verse, "Sabu was a simple man, living day to day. Nobody ever listened to a word he had to say." These lines set the tone for the entire song, as we learn that Sabu lives a life of isolation and loneliness. Despite his talent and skill as a magician, he is unable to connect with those around him and often feels ignored or overlooked.

The chorus of the song further emphasizes Sabu's sense of loneliness, as he sings, "Sabu visits the Twin Cities, he's only here to see. People stand in line to hear him breathe and see him eat." Here, we can see the irony of Sabu's situation - he is being celebrated for his talent and yet feels completely alone in the midst of it all.

Throughout the song, John Prine masterfully weaves together Sabu's story with themes of isolation and connection. He sings of the human need for companionship and the hollow nature of fame and success when it comes at the cost of our relationships. Prine's lyrics are powerful and moving, drawing listeners in with their raw honesty and relatable themes.

The song's haunting melody and melancholic undertones perfectly complement the themes of the lyrics, creating a truly memorable listening experience. Prine's delicate guitar playing and soulful vocals add depth and emotion to the song, bringing Sabu's story to life in a way that is both poignant and beautiful.

In the end, Sabu Visits the Twin Cities Alone is a song that speaks to the human experience in a profound way. It reminds us of the importance of human connection and the deep sense of loneliness that can come when we are disconnected from those around us. With its unforgettable melody and powerful lyrics, Sabu Visits the Twin Cities Alone is a song that will continue to resonate with listeners for generations to come.

• Release Date: January 1, 1978
• Artist: John Prine