[Intro] [Instrumental: clarinet and violin, brisk klezmer dance] [Verse 1] Thirty years I ran the ward, Every intern knew my name. Now my badge is in a drawer, And the parking sign’s been changed. At the hospital front desk, They said, “Doctor, who are you?” I said, “I once signed every chart.” They said, “That’s nice. The lift is through.” [Chorus] Oh, the old white coat comes off, And the room forgets your face. No more calls from the drug rep, No reserved and favored place. I had rounds and grand opinions, Now I’m asked to fix the screen— A chief physician yesterday, Today I’m somewhere in between. [Verse 2] At home my wife brought me a list: “Could you sort the pantry shelf?” I diagnosed the loose door hinge; She said, “Please just do it yourself.” At dinner I described a rash, My neighbor waved his fork and said, “Enough, Doc—pass the pickles, please. We’re talking about the bread.” [Chorus] Oh, the old white coat comes off, And the room forgets your face. No more calls from the drug rep, No reserved and favored place. I had rounds and grand opinions, Now I’m asked to fix the screen— A chief physician yesterday, Today I’m somewhere in between. [Instrumental] [Clarinet and violin trade nimble, comic klezmer runs] [Bridge] Then I joined the college seminar, And taught a class one Thursday noon. My granddaughter took my hand And showed me how to pair Bluetooth. I learned to prune the stubborn roses, Let the old applause grow small; A person isn’t just a title On a brass plate in the hall. [Final Chorus] So the old white coat comes off, But there’s life beyond the door. No one needs my signature To set another place for four. I still know a little medicine, And I’m learning what I missed: How to laugh when the screen says “error,” How to dance, and how to kiss. [Outro] [Instrumental: violin and clarinet rise into a celebratory klezmer finish]
