Garden Party

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I went to a garden party to reminisce with my old friends,
a chance to share old memories and sing our songs again.
When I got to the garden party, they all knew my name;
they didn't recognize me, I didn't look the same.


People came from miles around, everyone was there,
Yoko brought her walrus (John Lennon), there was magic in the air.
Over in the corner, much to my surprise
Mr. Hughes hid in Dylan's shoes, wearing his disguise.


Played them all the old songs, thought that's why they came,
No one heard the music, we didn't look the same.
I said hello to "Mary Lou," she belongs to me,
but when I sang a song about Honky Tonk, it was time to leave.


Someone opened up a closet door, out stepped Johnny B. Goode,
Playing guitar like ringing-a-bell, and lookin' like he should.
If you gotta play at garden parties, I wish you a lotta luck,
But, if memories were all I sang, I'd rather drive a truck.


But, it's all right now, I learned my lesson well.
You see, you can't please everyone,  so you gotta please yourself.

Ricky Nelson, 1972
Madison Square Garden