The campus crowd was noisy as we waited for the show
Everyone had come to see the king of rock and roll
But when they pulled back the curtain one old man stepped out
He climbed upon a stool and a hush fell upon the crowd
He said folks I'm sorry but the star ain't gonna show
He missed the plane in Abilene and they said to let you know
But they'll give back your money anytime you want to leave
Then he took out his old mouth harp and he wiped it on his sleeve
He sang about the Mardi Gras some blues and love and war
And how nobody takes the time to care much anymore
He played that harp like it was part of that old guitar of his
And truth was just a natural thing for the Arizona Whiz
Then he sang a song of glory and how he'd fly away
Said thank you folks you sure been nice then he left the stage
Though they only paid him 20 bucks that night the world was his
Cause not a soul walked out the door on the Arizona Whiz
He was old and he was wrinkled he was bent and he was broke
In a pair of faded blue jeans with a scarf around his throat
And he could sing a hurtin' song like the memory was his
You could almost see the scars on the Arizona Whiz
Folks I'd like to say this song's for you but to tell it like it is
If you don't mind this one's for the Arizona Whiz