F One day way out of my jurisdiction C I met an old man on the street and I asked him for directions F I said, "What's the quickest way back into town?" C F He scratched his cheek and spat tobacco on the ground F I know by now old men they need their time to ponder, F C but then he answered, "Just walk south once you cross the big bridge yonder. F There's a bus that runs along that way I've seen. C F Just look out for the number Seventeen." Bb F I took his word as the Gospel of Mark Bb F I took the bridge across the place they call Cathedral Park Bb Then the river flows below the awful drop. F C F And somewhere out beyond this so-called Seventeen should stop. [Verse 2] F But then I wavered when I reached the other bank. C Maybe I'm at the recieving end of that old man's prank. F I face a mountanside of trees and vegetation- C F Not a single trace of civilisation. F But of course to turn back now would hurt my pride. C Found an exit to a freeway and I walked along the side. F Then I came across a lonely faded sign F C F That confirmed me on the Seventeen route line. Bb F So I waited there for ages - sat in vain. Bb F I spent an hour trying to recall my confirmation name. Bb I said the rosary 3 times and then again. F C F I waited for the Seventeen but the Seventeen never came. F C F I waited for the Seventeen but the Seventeen never came. F F (He waited for the Seventeen but the Seventeen didn't come) [instrumental break] F F F C F F F C F Bb F Then the trees all seemed to say, "Don't look at us. Bb F It's obvious there's no one round here who could ever need a bus." Bb I replied, "It could be worse it could be..." N.C. Then it started to rain! F C F I waited for the Seventeen but the Seventeen never came. F C F I waited for the Seventeen but the Seventeen never came. [Verse 3] F So I set off along a path of muddy porridge. C I came across a diesel engine - Union-Pacific in blood orange. F It was shunting to a switcher with a chain. F C F It needed carriages to be called a train. F I said, "Excuse me Mr. Railway-Worker, sir. C I'm trying to get back to the city from the middle of nowhere. F You at least seem to be pointing the right way. F C F So could I please hitch a ride with you today?" Bb F He said, "I'd say yes if it were up to me. Bb F These days there's so much red tape and bureuocracy. Bb There's a bus I'll tell you where to catch it from." F C F But I already waited for the Seventeen, but the Seventeen didn't come. F C F I waited for the Seventeen but the Seventeen didn't come. [Verse 4] F Instead the gale force winds came with the rain. C They turned my umb-er-ella to a mangled weather vane. F I left it crumpled in a heap there on the ground. F C F Damn that Seventeen. I'll just walk back to town. F Now this weather don't seem natural or fun. C Maybe I'd feel different if I was born in Oregon, F But I'm from a place that's mostly hot and dry - F C F But try to tell this to an angry sky. Bb F To answer me that sky only grew darker. Bb F The rain had invaded my sneakers and the lining of my parka. Bb The fingers of my hand had all gone numb. F C F I waited for the Seventeen but the Seventeen didn't come. F C F I waited for the Seventeen but the Seventeen didn't come. [instrumental break] Bb F Bb F Bb F C F [Verse 5] (single strum) F F For what this song is worth I didn't die. F C I found a cozy cafe and I ordered a soy chai- F F The most intrepid man the world has seen F C F One who didn't even need the Seventeen (resume strumming pattern) Bb F And I can't claim to having gained new wisdom, Bb F And I haven't learned much more about this city's transport system. Bb I'm still wondering just what I will become. F C F I waited for the Seventeen and the Seventeen didn't come. F C F I waited for the Seventeen and the Seventeen didn't come.