Old Man Jones lived on the dark side of the town

Never had much to say but man he had that six string down



The kids they'd always listen when the old man would sing and play

And me I was there just a face in the crowd

When I finally got a chance to say



Tell me what it takes to play with fire

Tell me what it takes to make it real

He said son there ain't no secrets it's all just what you feel

So boy if you wanna be good better listen here



It ain't about the clothes you wear

Ain't about the style of your hair

That ain't what it takes to be a music man

It's all about the way you play

Livin' for the music 'til your dyin' day

That's what it takes to be a music man



One chord screamin' through a wall of amplified thunder

As the heavens roared and the lightning raged

I knew the spell I was under



Then the old man took me by the hand

He said I can see it in your eyes

That you got what it takes to be a music man

What it takes to light up the sky



Tell me what it takes to play with fire

Tell me what it takes to make it real

He said son there ain't no secrets it's all just what you feel

So boy if you wanna be good better listen here



It ain't about the clothes you wear

Ain't about the style of your hair

That ain't what it takes to be a music man

It's all about the way you play

Livin' for the music 'til your dyin' day

Now that's what it takes to be a music man

That's what it takes to be a music man