Bird-Dog - The Verlaines

Where, oh where did the age come from

That struck with such a sour note?

It’s a shame that the muse that brought you here

Keeps donning the dog skin coat

But the news is out this year

That the easy-pleaser road is here

And she’s a picture dressed in hay

And all the preachers up and run

Here it is Christmas every day

And no-one gives nothing to anyone

I hold my point of view

It’s lying I hate the most

But the bird that sang love in your ear

Has swallowed a fatal dose

If there’s poison in your cup

Well you picked your tree: Now bark it up

And if I live to seventy

And all of my bones begin to seize

Oh Lord don’t leave, don’t leave to me

A one and only way to dream

The bloodshot eye sees paradise

And knows just where it lies

Dissolves into grief

That this crazy machine does not go there…

I saw the picture, saw the play

I read the book along the way

I didn’t need to see the end

Cos every end was just the same

There wasn’t a hell of a lot to tell

He wrecked whatever he’d undertake

He got old, he got slow

And every death was on his face

But I never thought I’d see the day

The dog of honour disappear

He bought a boarding house for slaves

And drinks imported German beer

Once the bird has stopped its mouth,

Once you’re in this dream you don’t get out

I love this imported German beer

They know how to make it over there

The bird returns to soothe my ear

I love this imported German beer…