One fine day as I was a-walkin' down the street   Spied a beggar man with rags upon his feet   Took a penny from my pocket   In his tin cup I did drop it   I heard him say as I made my retreat      CHORUS   "May the bird of paradise fly up your nose"   "May an elephant caress you with his toes"   "May your wife be plagued with runners in her hose"   "May the bird of paradise fly up your nose"      The laundry man is really on his toes   Found a hundred-dollar bill among my clothes   When he called me I came a-runnin'   Gave him back his dime for phonin'   I heard him sayin' as I turned to go      CHORUS      I was way behind one day to catch the train   Taxi driver said "We'll make it just the same"   The speed cop made it with us   And as he wrote out the ticket   I stood by politely a-waitin' for my change      CHORUS      CHORUS      FADE      CHORUS