[Verse 1] Every morning at the corner When the factory whistles blew, There'd be Richard Cory strolling In a coat of midnight blue. Had a silver cigarette case, Had a diamond in his hand, And the sidewalk girls went quiet Like they knew him from another land. [Verse 2] He never tipped the bartender With a bill he couldn't fold, He'd just leave a little something And a story nobody told. Bought a house above the river, Bought a room above the town, But every night at half past twelve You could hear his footsteps going down. [Chorus] Oh, Richard Cory, Lord, they said he had it all— A velvet rope around his heaven, A marble staircase to the hall. Everybody wanted what he wore, Everybody wanted what he knew, Nobody ever asked the man What the night was doing to him. [Verse 3] Mrs. Murphy said he fancied A different wine for every rain. Johnny said he kept a photograph Of a woman with no name. Old man Wilson swore he saw him Talking softly to the air, While the moon hung like a busted tooth Above the mansion stairs. [Verse 4] We'd curse him from the factory gates, Then dream we'd trade our shoes, Trade our debts and trade our rust For the life that he could choose. We called him lucky, called him blessed, Called him king of every street. Funny thing about a kingdom— You can't see the cracks beneath the feet. [Chorus] Oh, Richard Cory, Lord, they said he had it all— A velvet rope around his heaven, A marble staircase to the hall. Everybody wanted what he wore, Everybody wanted what he knew, Nobody ever asked the man Why he never looked at you. [Bridge] One Sunday night the rain came down Like nails upon the glass. The river wore the color Of a bruise that wouldn't pass. Richard lit a cigarette, Watched the flame and watched it die, Then he poured himself a drink And never touched it by and by. [Verse 5] Monday morning found the city With its collars buttoned tight. The milkman had a headline, The baker had a light. There were sirens by the river, There were black cars at the door. Mrs. Murphy crossed herself And said, “He ain't the lucky one no more.” [Final Chorus] Oh, Richard Cory— All that silver, all that gold. Funny how a house can look so warm When nobody's home. [Outro — hollow, nearly spoken] They said he had it all. They said he had it all. They said... He had it all. [Silence] [Final piano note]
