Felon

A neighbour accused me of larceny
My poor Dad to the jail delivered me
All this over a hen and her eggs
I wish I'd never mislaid them
Hmmm Hmmm

He walked me as far as the guard post
It was the first time he'd ever hugged me
"Be a man and just keep your head down
You've got to let go of me now"
Hmmm Hmmm

I was placed in chains
My legs gave out
My legs gave out
The jailer picked me up
He slappеd my face and helped mе walk the stair

When first I went in the dungeon
I was surrounded by silhouettes
I was met with the most ungodly stink
I fainted at the sheer taste of it
Hmmm Hmmm

I came around to discover
My feet were unshod and my scarf bestole
An old crone hissed through a gum full of puss
"That's garnish lad and pay you must"
Hmmm Hmmm

I curled into a ball
To hide my tears
To hide my tears
Then began to shake
Before I realised I'd lost control

From every side there rung laughter
The calf was lamed and the wolves were circling
At first bite I leapt from the floor
And cracked a shadow in the jaw
Hmmm Hmmm

There rose a voice from the gloomy depths
"Silence your wagging and give the boy a rest
Mark these words keep your devils locked within
For I'll castrate the one that goes to him"
Hmmm Hmmm

I was left alone
To find my own
Few inches of damp stone
Gave myself to sleep
And when I awoke the world was still rolling away

In cold light of day I surveyed the scene
A squalor more baleful than I had ever seen
Ageless bone bags agog in their own mess
Bodies maggot riddled at caress
Hmmm Hmmm

My unofficial protector
Showed me the rudiments of gambling with pebbles
And taught me the names of the birds, trees and flowers
And shared his warmth through evil hour
Hmmm Hmmm

I remember you
Whoever you are
Whoever you are
I'll hold you in my heart
And never forget the part you played in my story

This morning they put me in the pillory
Who should appear but the very same neighbour that fingered me
She climbs the stage and lifts a jug of water to my lips
Then walks me back home to my father
Hmmm Hmmm

It hasn't been very easy
To sing you this song, though I did my best
And now we are reaching the end of my refrain
Listen, we can start again