(Verse)
well he didn't want to change his ways
and he could no longer run

he knew his days were numbered
and his journey nearly done
well he seen the world through a child's eyes

and wicked spirits too
Hell he danced with monks in Thailand
and even danced amongst the Jews

and he's taken from the rich
but he's given to the poor
he's lived from hand to mouth

and walked on empty shores
well he took a sip
lit a joint

and laid back in his chair
he played a little music
and then he said a prayer


(Chorus)
well old Charlie Wilson

how have you been my friend
It's awful nice to see you
and to hear your voice again

tell me 'bout your life
tell me where you been
old Charlie Wilson

how have you been my friend

(Verse)

he started sifting through some letters
and some old photographs
started digging through some days be gone

you know memories from the past
yeah he told me all about it
and then he told me a little more

he said time is on my side
but its pounding on my door
so I won't waste a minute

not another breath of air
I'll take another toke
and say another prayer


(Chorus)
well old Charlie Wilson

how have you been my friend
It's awful nice to see you
and to hear your voice again

tell me 'bout your life
tell me where you been
old Charlie Wilson

how have you been my friend

(Verse)

well I sat there with him till the end
till the sparkle left his eyes
his body lost the battle

but his spirit will never die
and tonight I'll toast in honor of
such a wise and caring man

and if you've never heard his stories
Hell you'll never understand
yeah I'll take a sip

light a joint
and lay back in this chair
I'll play a little music

and then I'll say a prayer

(Chorus)

well old Charlie Wilson
how have you been my friend
It's awful nice to see you

and to hear your voice again
tell me 'bout your life
tell me where you been

old Charlie Wilson
how have you been my friend
old Charlie Wilson
how how have you been my friend