Lyrics:

By: Jimmy Buffett

1974

The ice cream man he's a hillbilly fan

Got seventy-eights by Hank Snow

Walks down the street, shufflin' his feet

To a rhythm that only he knows



And I've seen him in so many places

I saw him the night I was born

In a Bourbon Street bar, I received my first scar

From an old man so tattered and torn



Chorus:

And the wino and I know the pain of street singin'

Like a door-to-door salesman knows the pains of bell ringin'

Strange situation, wild occupation

Livin' my life like a song



Coffee is strong at the Cafe Du Monde

Donuts are too hot to touch

Just like a fool, when those sweet goodies cool

I eat 'til I eat way too much



'Cause I'm livin' on things that excite me

Be they pastry or lobster or love

I'm just tryin' to get by bein' quiet and shy

In a world full of pushin' and shove



Chorus:

And the wino and I know the pain of back bustin'

Like the farmer knows the pain of his pickup truck rustin'

Strange situation, wild occupation

Livin' my life like a song



Sweet senorita won't you please come with me

Back to the island honey, back to the sea

Back to the only place that I want to be



Chorus:

And the wino and I know the joy of the ocean

Like a boy knows the joy of his milkshake in motion

Strange situation, wild occupation

Livin' my life like a song

Yes it's a strange situation, a wild occupation

Livin' my life like a song