When you're flustered and bewildered, Panicked and upset 'Cause the folksinger you've booked tonight Well, he hasn't shown up yet Not a word have you heard He hasn't emailed, faxed or phoned All your symptoms clearly indicate: Ahhh, Pre-minstrel syndrome It's getting close to showtime The house is nearly full Your ad and press release Achieved unprecedented pull But you cannot reach his agent You left a message at his home Oh, the splitting head and acid reflux of Ahhh, Pre-minstrel syndrome BRIDGE You know it doesn't happen often So you momentarily soften He's an artist, so we generally give 'em latitude But, damn it, why can't he just call? He has a cell phone, after all Why can't he demonstrate a more responsible attitude?! In a world beset with woe His words and music grant reprieve For a coupla evening hours His gift of song helps us believe So when that voice you know and love Precedes his body through the door Telling tales of torturous traffic Like he's never seen before He calmly pulls out his guitar An' steps up to the microphone You forget you ever suffered from Ahhh, Pre-minstrel syndrome