Lyrics:

In this 1974 performance, Walter Becker states:
This next song scares me half to death. It’s a tale of terror and loathing in the far-flung future.
Hello one and all
Was it you I used to know?
Can't you hear me call
On this old ham radio?
All I got to say
I'm alive and feelin' fine
Should you come my way
You can share my poison wine

No marigolds in the promised land
There's a hole in the ground where they used to grow
Any man left on the Rio Grande
Is the king of the world as far as I know

I won't take your bread
I don't need no helping hand
I can't be no savage
I can't be no highwayman
Show me where you are
You and I will spend this day
Drivin' in my car
Through the ruins of Santa Fe

No marigolds in the promised land
There's a hole in the ground where they used to grow
Any man left on the Rio Grande
Is the king of the world as far as I know


I'm reading last year's papers
Although I don't know why
Assassins, cons and rapers
Might as well die

When you come around
No more pain and no regrets
Watch the sun go brown
Smoking cobalt cigarettes
There's no need to hide
Takin' things the easy way
If I stay inside
I might live 'til Saturday

No marigolds in the promised land
There's a hole in the ground where they used to grow
Any man left on the Rio Grande
Is the king of the world, king of the world, as far as I know