Charlie of the MTA (“Did he ever return?”)

If you live in Boston, you probably carry a Charlie Card in your wallet. Did you ever ask yourself --- who is this Charlie?

Charlie is a name of a fictional character based on the famous song “The MTA Song” (the MTA is known today as the MBTA – the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority). Back in the day, people had to pay upon exiting the train. Poor Charlie boarded the train with ten cents, and the fare was raised 5 cents while he was riding (a 50% fare hike – pretty steep!). Because Charlie couldn’t pay the full fare, he was trapped on the train forever.

Sing along with the famous song, and learn all about Charlie’s adventure (Lyrics below):

Let me tell you the story
Of a man named Charlie
On a tragic and fateful day
He put ten cents in his pocket,
Kissed his wife and family
Went to ride on the MTA

Charlie handed in his dime
At the Kendall Square Station
And he changed for Jamaica Plain
When he got there the conductor told him,
"One more nickel."
Charlie could not get off that train.

Chorus:
Did he ever return,
No he never returned
And his fate is still unlearn'd
He may ride forever
'neath the streets of Boston
He's the man who never returned.

Charlie's wife goes down
To the Scollay Square station
Every day at quarter past two
And through the open window
She hands Charlie a sandwich
As the train comes rumblin' through.

Now you citizens of Boston,
Don't you think it's a scandal
How the people have to pay and pay
And fight the fare increase
Get poor Charlie off the MTA.

Chorus:
Or else he'll never return,
No he'll never return
And his fate will be unlearned
He may ride forever
'neath the streets of Boston
He's the man who never returned.
He's the man who never returned.