We’ve updated our Terms of Use to reflect our new entity name and address. You can review the changes here.
We’ve updated our Terms of Use. You can review the changes here.

Murphy's Song

from A Gropeof Foolish Poke Songs by Jim Bryce

/

about

A music-hallish singalong sung by a London down-and-out about consumerism and the state of society today.

lyrics

Isn't it enough to make you sick?
No matter how their change their moral, all the labels seem to stick.
They say the ultimate pariah always has to climb up higher,
but they don't say who or how or where or when.
Till then, my furlined friend, please give this poor old duffer some relief -
Just one cast-off smile will do and I'll make my one brief.
Assure me there's a god in Burton's and I'll keep my Oxfam shirt on
Till you've sorted your priorities, your needs and your beliefs.

When the stars hang dimly over Brixton,
When the street lamps lighten up in Penge,
When the light of the day drops its pink negligée,
Will you still make no amends?
When the "War Cries" echo to a murmur,
When your good shepherd's sheep are all shorne,
When all your intent and your goodwill's been spent,
will you still cry out for more?
Your old labels and old scores bring me lower and lower.
Please don't leave me waiting at your door.

Isn't it enough to make you spit?
You get so smothered up with charity, your body just won't fit.
The say the Western panacea's daily getting that bit nearer,
but they won't say what it is or why it should or who it fits
Oh! Never mind you morals and your pap!
If you haven't got the heart, then just fling tuppence in my cap.
It won't upset your Christian conscience.
Christ's too busy for that nonsense,
Slugging White Tornadoes* on his own beneath Westminster Bridge.



*Ginger Beer and Hairspray.

credits

from A Gropeof Foolish Poke Songs, released April 19, 2019
Jim Bryce: piano, vocals
Mansefield Brass Band
with Frank Bradley-violin, Dave Earnshaw-Sax, Mark Leventhall-banjo, Cliff Deighton-Bass drum.

Photo by Duncan Harley.

license

all rights reserved

tags

about

Jim Bryce image

Jim Bryce Edinburgh, UK

Jim Bryce's music ranges from rockish to folkish to jazzish to music-hallish, to material which doesn't tick any boxes. He has also written for theatre, concert hall (squeaky and non- squeaky), film and radio programmes for the under nines.

contact / help

Contact Jim Bryce

Streaming and
Download help

Redeem code

Report this track or account

If you like Jim Bryce, you may also like:

Bandcamp Daily  your guide to the world of Bandcamp

On Bandcamp Radio

Featured guests are the golden-voiced Baby Rose and psyche soulsters Brainstory.
listen now