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 m