From the recording Taxi Jerry
Taxi Jerry came to the Recovery Club in middle age. He remained poor, didn't quote the books, was rough around the edges and had a reputation to match. It humbled me that at this funeral, I witnessed nearly 200 people celebrate his life. I recalled a plain-spoken cabbie dropping off dozens of detox patients where I worked as a counselor. Little did I know about him; Taxi Jerry did it for free! One by one, many of these same souls came up to to tell a story of how he saved them with his wisdom and generosity. Astounded, I said to myself, "How many will say that when my time comes?" In deep gratitude, I went home and wrote this song.
Lyrics
Tough as nails but tender; man of strong words. When he talked about his gratitude everybody heard-humility and kindness poured out of his soul. Tough love for a chaser. "Do what you're told!" He'd be the first to tell you; "I'm just another drunk who got another chance when I ran out of luck. We all got a story about the love he showed. Tell me yours and I'll tell you mine 'till everybody knows.
-Chorus: Taxi Jerry's driving his cab again tonight; pickin' up a stranger and hoping that he might-be a little comfort; shed a light; passing up those big fares; doin' what is right!
We thought we lost him not so long ago. Now he's come back one more time to make sure that we know. He says; "Life is short...Don't kid yourself. Go tell the one's you love. At closing time from the wine of life-you can't drink enough"
Chorus: (X2);
Passing up those big fares; passing up those big fares; doin' what is right!