CTA Tattler

"2nd-hand yak on the Purple Line"

Sun-Times transportation blogger Mary Wisniewski recently featured this "cell on the El" song written by a neighbor of mine, Claude Walker:

"2nd-hand yak on the Purple Line"

by Claude Walker

Sung to the tune of "Jumpin' Jack Flash", (apologies to Jagger/Richards, Weird Al Yankovic & Ron Huberman). Lyrics inspired by one-way conversations overheard on the CTA Purple Line.

I was born
With a cellphone to my ear.
El riders
It's me you have to hear.

CHORUS:
Purple Liiiiiine Ride...now,
Cellphones grow like grass.
Shameless mopes...gab,
2nd-hand yak shows no class, class, class.

Well, my boss
Is a smelly, balding jerk.
I resent
That I even have to work!

(CHORUS)

My boyfriend
Cheats right beneath my nose.
I'm like, dude,
I think I need new clothes.

(CHORUS)

So you need
My Social Security?
Here it is
As loud as I can be.

(CHORUS)

I've got zits
All across my pretty face.
My rent's up
Gotta find another place.

(CHORUS)

Have you seen
The latest "Bachelorette"?
I don't need
No stinkin' etiquette.

(CHORUS)

CTA
Says "Be Considerate".
I don't care
Not even a little bit.

(CHORUS)

The Red Eye
Is the only thing I read.
Am I rude?
Talking loud will help me to succeed.

(CHORUS)

2nd-hand yak shows no class, class, class.
2nd-hand yak shows no class, class, class.
2nd-hand yak shows no class, class, class.