(intro by Ed Gerhard)

Last night I went to the central square
there was a party a neighbours
I just walked there like a sailor
headin' no where

A rock band was playing loud
they weren't good
but they looked fine and proud
so I tried to get into a party mood

A lone man was standing there
tired face, wrinkled hands
he was smiling at those guys
as if his sadness were in disguise

He was smiling so free
he was clapping at each song
maybe trying to forget
he was alone

How I wanted to say hi
I wish I hadn't been that shy
and be able to say:
"please teach me to smile that way"

He was smiling so free
he was clapping at each song
maybe trying to forget
he was alone

and the end it turned out to be
the only sad and lonesome one was me
next time if I meet him
I'll ask the secret of his peace of mind

He was smiling for free
he was clapping at each song
with his joy
he was no longer alone