Nostalgia In Times Square

Yeah, I was hanging out in Times Square
Reminiscing through the rhythm of the city
Walking up and down Broadway
Checking out all them fine babes
Dancers on their way to class

Birdland, jazz corner of the world
Yeah, I played with Mingus
At Birdland one night
I said, "Charles, can I play one with you?"

He said, "Yeah, come on man
As long as the union don't bust us"
Well, no sooner said than done
Mingus counted off Charlie Parker's Koko
Fast as he could play it

And man, that was fast
Well, I got off two choruses without getting too bruised
And after the set was over
James Moody came over and gave me a big hug and said

"Man, you made it"
Made me feel real warm
Gave me the courage to keep on, keeping on, Jack
Yeah, why I sure felt good that night