A gospel mission on Walter Street Where beat-up souls do congregate To suffer through the sermons of hellfire Join their voices in a choir Brother Eddie in the back row Shuffles on up to the piano Anybody can come in Out of the cold and howling storm Rub their shoulders with their brother Get the word — or just get warm Get the word — or just get warm Get the word — or just get warm A junkie priest comes stumbling in Supporting his habit — black as sin Russian sailors in they come Nine winos and a common man Oh Brother Eddie won't you hit Those pearly things — just a little bit Anybody can come in Out of the cold and howling storm Find a seat close to the piano Get the word — or just get warm Get the word — or just get warm Get the word — or just get warm Brother Eddie won't you play Some say he was a priest who got defrocked because he loved godless things, but Some say he was a boogie-woogie ace who just got weary of the race But all agree He's got the gift Of leading you From while you drift Anybody can come in Out of the cold and howling storm Rub their shoulders with their brother Get the word — or just get warm Get the word — or just get warm Get the word — or just get warm Get the word — or just get warm You can get the word — or just get warm