Menino, speaking with his strong Boston accent, did not at first reach the people in the back of the room. He then virtually shouted the rest of his speech into the microphone, however, enabling the core of his message to be heard.

He thanked his supporters, Davis-Mullen, and the city of Boston. He also mentioned the tragedies of Sept. 11 and offered his prayers to the members of the armed services overseas. He also commended the emergency service personnel of Boston.

“It’s not fancy rhetoric,” the mayor said, “but it comes from the heart. I’m not a fancy talker, but I’ve gotten things done.”

George A. Moyer, the bassist for the band, said, “I call him ‘Mumbles,’ but that doesn’t take anything away from him.”

Brian J. McLaughlin, a Menino supporter, expressed a slightly different sentiment.

“His speech was eloquent,” McLaughlin said. “He focused on how he’s not going to lie down in his third term. He hit on the right things. What else do you want from a mayor?”