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.

Lyrics

by Thursday's Child

1.
Cotton Ken Punshon & Chris Pyam (2010) [Harness frames and heddles dress the warp thread up and down Then neatly through the open shed the weft is quickly wound Hear the shuttle clacking, whizzing to and fro Carrying the bobbins where they need to go] Weaving in the farmhouse with wool and flax and silk Sold pieces to the chapman, or someone of that ilk The waters in the vallies flowed so pure and clean Then John Lombe stole the secret of water powered machines Soaking up the rivers between the rolling hills The rhythm of the farm turned to dark satanic mills Sky with soot was darkening from coal producing steam The hot oil and the cotton fluff, the looms did thump and scream [] The scutcher cleaned the bales and thus the lap was made Reduced the tex through carding, to give a constant grade Then doubling of the fibres was done on draw frame Using several carders the output stayed the same Sometimes there was combing to enhance the quality As output of this process a twisted rope we'd see The sliver then was thinned by up to three speed frames Via slubbing and the inter, the rovin finally came [] To finish off the spinning the mule and then the ring Stretched the yarn and twisted then wound on a bobbin The mule came from the jenny moving forth and back As carriages moved forward, they left a narrow gap Through it moved the spinners and the piecers mending threads The doffers handled cops, the noise inside their heads Then came the ring frame tenters from Arkwright's water frame Working ever faster, the noise was just the same [] The yarn came from the spinning and upon the cones was wound Or taper sized the warper's beam to ensure the thread was sound The drawers and the reachers fed the eyelet with the thread Picking stick hit shuttle with a noise to break your head Tacklers checked the loomers and set up warps afresh While all the while with pounding noise (the) warp and weft did mesh Back and forth the weavers went, competing with the loom Iron clogs on wooden floor beating out the tune []
2.
How Many Coffees Ken Punshon & Chris Pyam (2010) How many coffees will it take To wake me on this morn As I sit here Looking at the dawn The kettle is a boiling, and bubbling away To make a cup of coffee for opening the day How many red lights will there be To slow my route to you As I pon-der What I need to do The question is beguiling, it ate away all night Having to consider, is it worth a fight How many more heated words To pass between us two As we ar-gue About my need for you You say you don't want marriage, you want to stay alone Should have told me earlier, how could I have known How many hours can it last Welcome this reprieve Won-der why I'm Eager to believe Invite you out to dinner, intend to have a drink Then with some discussion, I hope you will re-think How many courses did we eat Talking all the while Your ar-gu-ments Sometimes made me smile Despite the lack of progress, I'll give it one last chance I'm still a great believer in the spirit of romance How many coffees will it take Sitting in this cafe I look at you Looking back at me Nothing more to savour, nothing more to say {Slow} As I slowly realise we'll go our separate ways
3.
Flotsam Ken Punshon & Chris Pyam (2010) Walking 'cross the marshes Towards the glistening sea Watching all the skylarks Thinking what could be Claw prints in the mud flats From crabs that scuttle there Hunting small crustacea For their daily fare The gravel and the shingle, Rock in tidal swell The mermaid's purse is stranded, Where the high tide fell Great plans, inspirations , Slowly come to light Storm clouds hide the detail, Of aspirations' flight A disused pub to landward, Behind the sandy dunes Still echoes in the salt air, With rousing shanty tunes There a rusting ferry, Abandoned lobster pots Piled against the beach hut, Itself been left to rot Martello tower to seaward, Beyond the sandy ness Once repelled invaders, Now merely a bird's nest A line of upturned rowboats, With fishing nets forlorn Just like their trawler cousins, Do their menders mourn Danger, keep out, the warning, At the entrance to the pier People no longer welcome, To go walking here Solitary lifebelt, Draped in brown seaweed Now with noone swimming, There scarcely seems a need Walking 'cross the marshes, Towards the glistening sea Watching all the skylarks, Thinking what could be Out across the bay, The boats are heading in They sail off to their harbour, Think what might have bin
4.
Centurion Ken Punshon & Chris Pyam (2013) Legions three, we built this wall Stretched across the land And now as freezing snowflakes fall To guard it here we stand Always watching to the North Looking for the tribes Waiting lest they sally forth With their warlike cries In the foggy half-light the tribesmen appear From behind an earthen wall The battle is furious, the blood running free Everywhere bodies are sprawled The Brigantes are coming From over the hill They're searching for Romans, Roman centurions to kill For a while did Antonine, Hold another wall For ten long years it marked the line, Then backwards we did fall The hills are bare, the outlook bleak, In this frozen realm And all the while the natives seek, Rome to overwhelm The Irish and Saxons, the Picts and the Gaels Harass on every side We drive them back, time and again But they will not be denied And when our defences At last they gave way It ended the eagle At the end of the Roman day Standing here upon the hill, Feeling cold winds blow Something else our spirit chills, Makes our blood to slow Ghosts still walk these ramparts tall, In the dead of night Echoes of the bugle's call, Echoes of the fights
5.
Beyond (95) Ken Punshon & Chris Pyam (2012) To sail beyond the sunset, to live within the dream Looking back at memories, of things that might have been To dance inside aurora, (and) walk within the breeze Gazing down with interest, across the long centuries To bask within the lightning, (and) swim within the storm Fly across the ravaged skies, as the clouds are torn To paddle in volcanoes, and surf the lava flow Dice then with the quanta, and weave the flakes of snow To face the hurly burly of a desert sandstorm cloud Then gaze upon the turmoil of the supernova's shroud To gain illumination from the forest fire ablaze And listen to the music of the searing cosmic rays To rock and roll with earthquakes, (to) rage with tsunami Twirling with tornados, making whirlpools in the sea To sniff the black hole's odour, then hear the quasar's cry Glide upon the solar wind, fast across the sky To sail beyond the sunset, dig in the sands of time Imagine what might be there, the universe sublime
6.
Starry Eyed Ken Punshon & Chris Pyam (2010) Stare up at the stars, and with your mind's eye Imagine the wonders described The nebulae, white dwarfs, and binary stars With galaxies both far and wide Consider our sun, with its planets, their moons The asteroids, comets, and rings The earth in the middle of a celestial sphere Surrounded by beautiful things Here on the earth, the abundance of life Variations of colour and size The myriad ways that life can turn out Continues causing surprise Even one species, different colours and hues A spectrum of behaviours and traits The really odd thing is that somewhere out there For everyone a partner awaits So now that I've found you, look straight in my face And see all the stars in my eyes Discover the animal that's under my skin The passion with which my heart flies This moment in time that the union is made The universe created a-gain A different perspective now in my mind Things can't ever be quite the same
7.
Fragments (05) Ken Punshon 2009 Fragments of tunes Swirl in my head Snatches of words As I lie in my bed Somewhere in there I think there's a song But what I don't know Is why it's taking so long For hours at a time I spin the words round Again and again To get the right sound Quick as a flash The words start to flow They all tumble out But how I don't know Next there's the tune Needs some work done Having two voices Sounding like one Finally it's over The song is all clear Then after a while Some more words appear Then when I listen And play the song through Suddenly I hear What I need to do Make some small changes I must have been blind But now I can't get it Out of my mind
8.
Don't You Know Ken Punshon/Chris Pyam 2009 [Don't you know All the things that you make Happen in my heart Don't you know All the pain it can cause When we're apart] So how can I tell that it's over Is there something that gives it away Does the fact that you're leaving tomorrow Mean that we still have today [] If I told you again that I love you Would that make you want to stay Or is it true that it's all over And that you are going away [] We've been together now for years But going nowhere or so it seems I don't understand what is happening Can you tell me what this all means [] Oh what on earth caused this to happen Is someone taking you from me After you've gone life will be empty What sort of future will there be [] {no delay} [Can't you say What caused this to happen To my heart I don't know How on earth I'll survive Now we're apart]
9.
Whirlygig Ken Punshon 2009 Whirlygig, roundabout, don't know what's hit me Can't quite keep my feet on the floor Spacing out, freaking out, writing this ditty Can't stop thinking 'bout the girl I adore. Will she come, won't she come, love her so dearly I don't know what is happening to me There she is, no it's not, I can't see clearly Got it so bad that I can't even see Here she is, look at her, simply quite stunning How come she wants to go out with me Will it last, can it last, my heart is humming This is the way that life really should be Where'd she go, why'd she go, she left so quickly Left my broken heart on the floor Where am I, what am I, now I'm so sickly Feeling bad since she walked out the door Whirlygig, roundabout, don't know what hit me Another girl just walked through that door Spacing out, freaking out, she's very pretty Don't remember that last girl anymore. Don't remember that last girl anymore.
10.
Trapped Inside Chris Pyam & Ken Punshon 2009 Tell me where that small child went Trapped inside, trapped inside Tell me where that small child went Trapped inside Tell me why that youth is all Mixed inside, mixed inside Tell me why that youth is all Mixed inside That small child's a parent now Look inside, look inside That small child's a parent now Look inside The adult's now a grandparent Young inside, young inside The adult's now a grandparent Young inside That old man is still a child Deep inside, deep inside That old man is still a child Deep inside Tell me where that small child went Here inside, here inside Tell me where that small child went Here inside Why must we always be Trapped, inside, trapped inside Why must we always be Trapped inside One day we'll fly away Get outside, get outside One day we'll fly away To the great outside One day we'll fly away Get outside, get outside One day we'll fly away To the great outside
11.
Ghost Dance (12) Ken Punshon & Chris Pyam (2009) [Well I want you And I need you Won't you stay a little while with me I can't see you But I feel you How on earth can that poss'bly be] When we met dear In La Bocca We were dancing for the whole night through Didn't know then What would happen How I'd become obsessed with you [] Dreams of future Of us together Cruelly vanished in the light of day crime of passion Or so they called it When he came and took your life away [] Died too quickly Couldn't save you As your blood poured across the floor I avenged you When I found him Killed him slowly at his open door [] Then they took me As I stood there Locked me up within a dingy cell Found me guilty Of his murder Consigned me to a living hell [] Now I'm trembling But not with passion There are thoughts that hide within my brain Come tomorrow I'll be with you So tonight I need to dance again Will you stay here Keep me company Because tonight I need to dance again.
12.
Biscuit Tin Ken Punshon (2009) [Searching in the biscuit tin, looking for ideas Because the crumbs of comfort are music to my ears Can I navigate or find the route I have designed I have a score to settle and certain things in mind] Patterns on the outside, a key inside the top Giving us accompaniment to which we surely bop Certainly a resonance coming from the tin Maybe this assortment will allow me to begin If music be the food of love, then biscuits must be too So if you eat enough of them the music will feed you Slowly pick the currants out and place them on the staves Tasty music made this way, everyone will crave First I look at rock and roll, cake and fig that is But that's no good, so think about the use of digestives A wagon wheel presents itself, it's not yet fallen off The idea has been done before; the wheel I'll have to scoff Sea shanties do come to mind, with sight of dog biscuits Then quickly I am moving on for I cannot risk it What about a melody that sticks inside the head No I cannot find it, just a pack of old crisp bread The music of the spheres, the lyrics of your dreams Surely they will be revealed, just after custard creams From a garibaldi, I see a light fandango But after Alfajores, it turns into a tango I'm searching for a cracker, a tune whose memory lingers But for now can only find, seven chocolate fingers Coming to the ginger crunch, have I made a song Or should I throw my hand in, and have a small bourbon
13.
Nature Song Chris Pyam (2009/10) Bees buzzing lazily gathering pollen Ready to make their sweet honey for all Insects are humming, the field mouse is running, Scurrying frantically through the grass tall Flowers are blooming and gently they're swaying, Soft gentle breezes are warming the day Trickling waterfalls, splashing so sweetly Birds hop and dance in the water's fine spray Tired dog sleeping, and cat slowly creeping Hoping to pounce on his prey in the grass But overhead, peering, the kestrel is leering No one can match him, he swoops down so fast Over the pond now the dragonflies hover Rituals of courtship forever performed The blackbird sings shrill and calls out to his lover He will be faithful to their own newborn Hedgehog with prickly spine shuffles and snuffles Slowly he makes his way over the ground Eating up insects and all he can find there Making the most of the bounty he's found The squirrel bounds in and out through trees and bushes Quick as a flash she is up and away Gathering hazelnuts fresh and new fallen Storing up treasures for cold winter days Now march the regiments over the molehills An army of frogs now all croaking in song Columns of green and brown webbed feet displaying Hopping and dancing they make for the pond Soft falls the gentle rain, dried in a moment Out comes the rainbow to colour the sky All of rich life displayed here in the garden Captured in time and space never to die Captured in time and space never to die
14.
Wagon Train (21) Chris Pyam & Ken Punshon (2009) In the 1840s, some families moving west, created a wagon train They banded together for mutual assistance, rolling across the plains George Donner and James Reed, their wagons numbered nine, set off from Illinois Little did they know that the hardships ahead, their wagon train would destroy They stayed at Independence for two days in May then met with a larger troop. For two months they followed the California Trail, travelling with this group At Little Sandy River, now in Wyoming, they met up with several more They decided to take the "Hastings Cutoff"; that was a fatal flaw Now eighty seven strong they headed to Fort Bridger, where the new route commenced Not knowing that the problems laying in their path would be immense Hardships in the Mountains, and across the Great Salt Desert, over which they prevailed At the end of September, near modern Elko, they rejoined the major trail The shortcut had taken them over three weeks more than if they hadn't strayed They met further setbacks along the Humboldt River, adding to the delays At the end of October, in the Sierra Nevada, they found their path blocked by snow Demoralized, they were forced to camp, but supplies were running low Remaining oxen slaughtered, but still there wasn't meat, for so many mouths to feed In a last ditch attempt, fifteen set off through the snow, in response to the need {slight break} Through the raging blizzard, running out of food, this party continued to tread Caught without shelter, when seven of them died, the rest started eating the dead After a month all the women and two men had reached the mountains' western side The Californians rallied to save the camp; four rescue parties would be tried The first relief found fourteen were dead, but they managed to rescue twenty one When the second relief arrived the following week, cannibalism had begun They took seventeen away with them, leaving just fourteen behind The following month when the third team arrived only nine could they find Saving four children meant five adults left, waiting for relief number four One man alive when they arrived; Louis Keseberg but none more. The ill fated route that the Donner party blazed was used again the very next year And for twenty more to get to Salt Lake City, by the Mormon pioneers Of eighty seven people nearly half of them had died from that disastrous train Today in memory, many parts of the trail still carry the Donner name
15.
Civilisation Ken Punshon (2009) Just what is civilisation This thing that's marching on With nation fighting nation World ticking like a bomb No matter what the problem The answers are the same Just kill, destroy, or slaughter Perhaps, this time, just maim The answer has been given Time and time a-gain The same from all religions It's peace within His name But many will not listen to Religion or to sense Rather than work together They fire across the fence Don't try to solve the problems Or to communicate Just go ahead with violence To spread the fear and hate So how can we ever change If indeed we want To chase away this spectre That the world does haunt We can help by making friends And pass the message on Tell of the understanding That can be found in song Tell them of the joys of life The fun of harmony Not only in the music But for people who are free Try to work together To ease the pains of life Much better create solutions Than resort to strife Look at this wonderful world The one in which we live A little help and charity Is that too much to give? Look at this wonderful world The one in which we live A little help and charity Is that too much to give?
16.
Twirling Ken Punshon (2009) Shimmering aurora, sparkling stars North wind is chilling, come from afar Twinkling icicles, hang from the trees Winter is gripping, from here to the sea Glistening snow flurries, whipped up by the breeze Mirrors of ice, as the lakes freeze The heavy stillness, here in the air Leads me to wonder, just how and where A comet parading, across the sky Full moon gleaming, up there on high Orion is standing, down to the south Breath is freezing, around my mouth Then comes the cloud, new twirlings of snow Strong winds are causing, the blizzards to blow Nuggets of ice lodged, here in my hair Lead me to wonder, just how and where Now I am scudding, across the seas Racing in front of, the strengthening breeze Watching the clouds, bring on the rain Thinking what happened, again and again Water cascades the deck, and then runs off As the boat crests, and dips in the troughs Sparkling wavelets, curving round the bow Lead me to wonder, just where and how Lead me to wonder, just where and how
17.
Jigsaw Puzzle (27) Ken Punshon & Chris Pyam (2010) [Gazing at the picture, just trying to find a way To figure out the puzzle, one piece every day Cannot count the pieces, some puzzles are quite small But size doesn't matter, if the puzzle does en-thrall] Starting with a corner, an edge to give aline Looking at the box lid, to save a bit of time Slowly moving inwards, following a road Dodging round the obstacles where progress can be slowed [] First I do the simple bits, the colours are quite clear Then try those I cannot solve, no matter how I peer I keep on looking back now, across those early bits Looking for some clue on how, the rest of it all fits [] Often there are funny bits that don't make sense Some can make you nervous, or feeling quite in-tense Pieces double sided, your progress may retard Be sure to handle them with care, always be on guard [] Struggling with the blue bits, put them on one side If you can't avoid them then take them in your stride Sometimes there are hard bits, where nothing seems to fit But surely I'll get through them, if I show some grit [] Looking at the sky for clues, to cope with tessellations Trying to find a way to handle all of the frustrations Over in the corner I see a guiding star But how much should I trust it, do I want to go that far [] When at last it's finished, I see it at the end The picture just about makes sense, or so I can pretend Though contrasting colours maybe cause some pain I'm sure that given half a chance I'd do it all again [] Size doesn't matter, if the puzzle does en thrall
18.
Bar Games (30) Ken Punshon & Chris Pyam (2010) She was standing in a wine bar, dressed from head to toe In Prada from her sponsor, the cost she didn't know Looking round the dance floor, a young man caught her eye Emboldened by the cocktail, she thought she'd have a try Strolling to his table, she started with the line Sorry to disturb you, but do you have the time? If you have the money, he quipped as his reply (Thinking rather smugly, that he was a funny guy) Of course I have the money, was her quick retort But my mother always told me, to try before I bought Besides, when you consider the nature of my ways I think it is more likely you'll be the one to pay There is a special offer, buy one get one free Because it is the happy hour, my friend could come with me Warming to the banter, he suggested that she should sit So that they could both enjoy the repartee and wit They talked some more together, and soon had exchanged names She told him she loved crosswords and intellectual games He admitted predilection for darts and dominoes And frequent games of pool to keep him on his toes She had a love of bridge and chess, backgammon and mah jhong He for one armed bandits and karaoke song Reacting to this discourse, he thought he'd try his luck Never realising he was going to come unstuck He suggested that she should come upstairs and play She nodded in acceptance, she'd let him have his way Thinking it was Christmas, his face creased in a smile Little did he know, he'd be paying in a while They left the bar together, going to her room Neither coule envisage that the end was coming soon Thus it was that something that started as a lark Ended with them playing murder in the dark
19.
Lost Chris Pyam & Ken Punshon (2010) The playground it is closing now Everybody's going back home But one little boy is still left there In the dark all alone He's been held there for many years now Trapped forever down in the park And his body is buried there somewhere With his soul in the dark [Continuing to wander No longer afraid Bitterly remembering Resenting that past day] He'd been playing on the roundabout While his mother fondly looked on She was distracted but for a moment She looked back, he was gone Lured away by a stranger Tempted by the promise of sweets So he followed them to the bushes To his winding sheet [] Searchers never found the body Nor did they know who had done Such an awful deed; for his parents Are loooking still for their son Now he searches throughout the night Just to find someone that he knows But if by chance someone should see him Will they run, will they go [] Drifting, floating in isolation Not understanding why he's not seen Disappearing then as the dawn comes Next night same routine Still he's trying to right the wrong now That prevented him growing old Not realising that he's not there, and For him the bell's tolled ( [] )
20.
Elemental (34) Chris Pyam & Ken Punshon (2010) The torches spark the faggots Lighting up the pyre The flames are all around me I melt in rising fire [ The pain that really hurts me Is the one within my heart Knowing that forever We must stay apart ] Bubbles slowly rising Towards the air above I still don't know what happened To the one I love [] Falling through the atmosphere Towards the solid ground My mouth shouts out in horror I cannot hear a sound [] Trapped within a cavern Hidden 'neath the earth Wondering if this pennance Will our love rebirth [] Once again I'm travelling This time in outer space I turn and look behind me And there I see your face [] Then with sudden shudder I wake up from my dream The reality that surrounds me Is not just what it seems
21.
Odyssey (35) Chris Pyam & Ken Punshon 2010 Sailing round the islands, across a glittering sea Drinking lots of wine, remembering you with me The birds are swooping round me, searching for some food I'm trapped in contemplation; a melancholy mood Before we left the harbour, you met me on the dock And what you had to tell me, caused a massive shock You said you'd not come with me, to cruise around these isles That you intend to leave me, and take away our child You knew I couldn't stay there, to try and change your mind My duty it was calling, and you were left behind So now I stand here thinking, of things that are in store Of how on earth I'll face them, without the one I adore For my problems they are Trojan, not all to do with you But now you leave me grieving, when I must lead the crew Maybe I'll solve the problem, if I get a horse For the size that I'll be needing, it must be wood of course One thing that is likely, if a horse I do employ I'll surely get much pleasure, from victory over Troy Then a warm taverna, sun setting on the sea Will provide the perfect ending, to this odyssey {Hum last line to finish}
22.
Relativity (36) Ken Punshon & Chris Pyam (2010) The helix is rotating, colours often change Twisted round together, but far apart, how strange A crystal tube contains them, the limit of their scope Outside this frame of reference, they would blindly grope A gnawing agitation irritates two threads Whatever can deter them, nothing - steam ahead Shadows of reflections, point and counterpoint The subtle interactions, now somewhat disjoint Beware, a cusp approaches - the colours growing bright Sadly for both instances, they're spoiling for a fight The maelstrom engages, is it just a summer squall Perhaps this time more serious, the writing on the wall The flare is incandescent, heartfelt words exchanged Accusations stated, characters harangued Transient phenomena briefly light the scene Then just as quickly vanish, just as never been Slowly the pulsations settle into sync Cessation of hostilities gives them time to think The after-shock then hits them, passions flare anew With distorted vision, the grudges will accrue Reconciliation might have come from talk But now there's separation, and disparate paths to walk Special relativity once had been their goal But now there's time dilation due to the black hole.
23.
BBQ
BBQ (37) Ken Punshon & Chris Pyam 2010 [Barbeque, drink some wine, Have good fun, have a good time Barbeque, drink some wine, Especially if the weather's fine] The day dawns clear, and the sky is bright, The family barbeque is planned The adults prepare, to get it right, Kids already playing in the sand Clear the patio and place the seats, Get the table laid Light the barbeque, let it heat, Make sure music's played [] Beefburgers and chicken wings, Meaty feast this afternoon What a surprise, the telephone rings, Some more friends are coming soon Six more adults, and their kids, Do we have the room Plenty of booze, but heaven forbid, That all the food's consumed [] Raid the freezer, quick defrost, Lots more belly pork In the kitchen salad's tossed, While we're removing corks Pounds of sausages, some merguez, Plenty of crisps and dips Lots to eat at this soiree, Even got some chips [] Now at last they are all here, Thirtyfive or more Settle down, have some beer, But is that someone at the door? Settle down start to eat, Let the fun begin Just a minute, is that sleet, We all start clearing, rushing in [] Carry the barbeque through the house, Into the garage Get black looks from the spouse, Going to need a heart massage Finally, they've all gone home, Or some just fallen asleep My inebriated brain does roam, Whose barbeque is it next week [] x2
24.
The Time Has Come (50) Ken Punshon & Chris Pyam (2010) [When the time comes, when the time comes Eagerly waiting for when the time comes] While but a child I made up my mind That as I grew older great wealth would I find Thus with this clear goal always in mind Constantly thinking 'when the time comes' [] Made my first million by the age of nineteen An entrepreneur like me you've never seen But beginning to wonder, what does it all mean Still I was thinking 'when the time comes' [] Then when I met her it all fell in place The reason for being, for both time and space Determined to have her, so I gave chase All the while thinking 'when the time comes' [] An affair with another, conducted in stealth Finally she left me and took all my wealth I know my revenge will be bad for their health Again I am thinking 'when the time comes' [] Finally I caught them, her protests were shrill Begging and pleading their blood not to spill But always I've been there, in at the kill At last I was thinking 'now the time comes' [] Now that I stand here, my eyes on the rope And picture the thought of it tight round my throat After all that has happened, I've given up hope For I'm no longer waiting for when the time comes [When the time comes, when the time comes No longer waiting for when the time comes When the time comes, when the time comes No longer waiting for when the time comes]
25.
Maypole Chris Pyam & Ken Punshon (2010) Since pagan days on May the first, those with German roots Joyfully did the summer greet and with a pole salute Made from acer maple, from hawthorn, or from birch The symbolism's very clear, no need for much research [Weave the ribbon back and forth, and then the DNA Come join with us to celebrate the opening of May To summertime, to summertime, when the days are long We celebrate the joys of life, with dancing and with song] The Commonwealth did stop the fun for nearly two decades But soon a restoration came of Maypoles and parades Festooned with flowers, coloured painted, draped in greenery The girls' straw bands, their posies and ribboned hair you'd see [] Girls would wash their faces clean in early morning dew And houses decked with flowers 'fore dawn good luck would accrue In the North on Garland Day, Goslings would be tricked And maidens dream of their true love if seven flowers they'd picked [] Padstow's had the 'Obby 'Oss from (the) 14th century Where Mr. Rickard's still caroused by mayers plentifully With bluebells and forget-me-nots, and cowslips all ablaze The dancing and (the) celebrations last throughout the day [Weave the ribbon back and forth, and then the DNA Come join with us to celebrate the opening of May To summertime, to summertime, when the days are long We celebrate the joys of life, with dancing and with song To summertime, to summertime, when the days are long We celebrate the joys of life, with dancing and with song]
26.
Priorities (53) Ken Punshon & Chris Pyam (2010) [Get your priorities right, my father used to tell me Sometimes several times a day Just let them think, that they're right No matter what they do(ing), no matter what they say] Strive for success, (but) don't fall in love with money To family and your friends be true Try to a-void violence; and do unto others As you'd have them do unto you Always ask the question, why on earth is that then When you're thinking 'bout something new Evaluate your options, making a decision, but To your priorities be true [] Make the most of chances, even unexpected But check a gift horse always has its teeth If it's too good to be true, it's probably a lie You must suspend your belief Things might not always be quite as you expected Keep questing to try and understand When you have a problem, keep searching for the answer Until the solution you command [] Dad became quite learn-ed, and had a way of thinking Of looking at things slightly from one side This different perspective came in very useful For taking the unusual in his stride Since my boyhood years my constant motivation Has been to understand the reason why Constantly striving to try and ensure that The correct priorities apply [Get your priorities right, my father used to tell me Sometimes several times a day Just let them think, that they're right No matter what they do(ing), no matter what they say Get your priorities right, my father used to tell me Sometimes several times a day]
27.
Out Beyond The Tower Chris Pyam/Ken Punshon 2010 Spitalfields and Whitechapel, Wapping, Bethnal Green The old East End of London, the darkest place you've seen Limehouse, Stepney, and Mile End; the Isle of Dogs, and Bow Poplar, Blackwall, Shadwell Docks, and Millwall as you know [Out beyond The Tower, Out beyond The Tower The East End of London, Out beyond The Tower] In the 19th century, as industry had grown Many working people had come to call it home The docks stretched east from Tower Bridge, down along the Thames To dirty, odorous industries these workers were condemned A tight-knit-lipped community, out towards the east With glue works and the breweries, their sickly stink of yeast To keep the gentry's noses clean the factories built downwind Avoiding soap vats, rendering, the pure for tanners skins People lived their squalid lives with drunkeness and crime Between the bridges and cul-verts, the maze of railway lines Robbery, rape, and violence; gangs that ruled the streets A breeding ground for criminals, iniquity, deceit [] Behind the high brick walls and palings dockers plied their trade While outside, the prostitutes, a 'healthy' living made Thoroughfares were filthy, and oft unlit at night Many drunkards from the pubs were spoiling for a fight Wave and wave of immigrants enriched the human stew Each successive tide in time, has aimed to pass on through Protestant church for Huguenots, Irish Catholics came along It later was a synagogue, and now sings Islaam's song [] Now the Isle of Dogs has changed, become Canary Wharf Where bastions of finance their su-rround-ings do dwarf A sparkling new marina made from St. Katharine's dock Trendy folk in Spitalfields are selling posh new frocks [Out beyond The Tower, Out beyond The Tower Everything is changing now, Out beyond The Tower Out beyond The Tower, Out beyond The Tower The East End of London, Out beyond The Tower]
28.
Farming (65) Chris Pyam & Ken Punshon (2010) Farmer Jones spent his young days Learning about the country's ways He'd bunk off school to have some fun Marching the fields with his father's gun Walking dogs and chasing cats Fishing the beck and catching sprats Swatting flies and killing rats Out in the fields [There are many things that farmers do Out in the fields But some they'll not be telling you Out in the fields] As he grew he learned his trade Then from the farm his living made Rarely had the time for fun He worked all hours in rain and sun Guided the plough and scattered seed Watered (the) earth and removed the weed Crops and cattle he would feed Out in the fields [] His life was hard with little fun He persevered for his wife and sons Some days disturbed, his spirits sunk He'd wander off, get stinking drunk Then he'd come back to work somehow Nursing his sore head for hours Morosely sitting on the plough Out in the fields [] One day he found a local girl And laid with her, his heart aswirl Frolics there in the sun Youth recalled, unbridled fun She said to him now marry me He said to her that cannot be For I've a wife and children three Out in the fields [] On hearing this she was distressed For recompense she then did press Pay me or I'll tell your wife He struck her once and took her life So that's now where this girl does lay Buried in the sodden clay Doubtless rues that fateful day Out in the fields []
29.
Tea Clipper (68) Ken Punshon & Chris Pyam (2010) [Cast off for'ard cast off aft Weigh the anchor chain Race the tide to open sea Unfurl the sails to catch the wind Cast off for'ard cast off aft We're bound for distant shores] Clear Lizard Point and then our craft's Tacking 'cross the main Make good speed in fair Biscee A record run the mate opined (Clear) Lizard Point and then our craft's Bound for distant shores [] In high spirits we sang and laughed Past the coast of Spain A storm approached near Cape Verdi The gale increased the sail we trimmed In high spirits we sang and laughed Bound for distant shores [] Storm so fierce it drove us past And set the crew a prayin' All thoughts now gone of China tea Just wondering when we'd have to swim Storm so fierce it drove us past Bound for distant shores [] Now sitting here upon a raft Thirst is driving minds insane Pondering now just what will be Wondering what is Nature's whim Now sitting here upon a raft Bound for distant shores []
30.
Look At Me Now (73) Ken Punshon & Chris Pyam [Look at me now, now that you've left me Look at me now, you've gone and distressed me You've left me alone You said you'd outgrown me All on my own Just look at me now] Standing, in the early morning sun Preparing for what's gotta be done Counting, the seconds away Leaving, leaving today Steaming, just trying to keep cool Fuming, about it all Igniting, with passion commence Flaring, vitriolic, intense [] Shaking, like falling apart Roaring, deep in my heart Lifting myself up from the ground Turning my back, turning around Parting, links disengage Splitting, we go through that stage Soaring out through the spheres Floating, as my vision clears [] {Spoken} The first day or so we all pointed to our countries The third or fourth day we were pointing to our continents By the fifth day we were aware of only one Earth* [] *Sultan Bin Salman al-Saud Astronaut, The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
31.
Glencoe Ken Punshon & Chris Pyam 2011 From the Bridge of Orchy there runs a drovers' road It skirts the side of Rannoch Moor, round to bleak Glencoe The Devil's Staircase climbing up from the gathering gloom No breath of air disturbs the scene, weight of impending doom Through the pass of grim grandeur, a sense of what would be A dark foreboding skyline formed by the sisters three Past the loch and onward, reach the fateful spot Where legend says the fire was lit, upon the signal rock That snow-cold morn in 92 along this very glen A massacre was ordered by the devil's men The government had decreed it, all dead they did proclaim Murder under trust committed, the Campbells were defamed Some no doubt complicit, but many did refuse To commit the murder foul, their hosts to abuse Tradition tells the story of the massacre that took place There's solemn savage beauty still around this eerie place
32.
Remember We Danced (76) Ken Punshon & Chris Pyam (2011) Based on a poem written by Jennie Louise Webster Baby I remember when I'd asked you to dance You just held me tightly in your loving arms Honey looking at me with your angel eyes Giving me your beautiful, your most precious smile Setting my heart and soul ablaze Lighting my life, my nights and days For me to tell you baby you're my hero All of the things that I want you to know What I truly meant; What I truly meant Oh baby why can't you see it's when you stroke my hair It's when you put your arms around me; when you're standing there And when you touch me, elec-tri-city Going through my body, it makes me shivery Baby oh baby so badly want you Can't you see that I have fallen deep in love with you That you are the one I want to spend (all of) my life In my sweet dreams (I always see), together you and I For eternity; For eternity Come on now baby, stop playing this love game Just let our love endure, together we'll remain When you're absent from me, all I ever do Is miss you like crazy, unhappiness renew Can't keep my eyes off you, can't stop loving you I'm slowly going crazy, I don't know what to do Honey, the way you play this crazy love game Hurts me every day, you're driving me insane What can I do? What can I do? When you play with my heart it's making me so sad I've done all that I can do, and now I'm getting mad I'm not a toy you can discard, when you've had your fun It's time for me to walk away, the ending has begun Can't live without you, it's tearing at my heart That you've had enough of me, you're putting us apart Can't live without you, I'll do anything Give you lots of love and joy, happiness I'll bring Baby oh baby; Baby oh baby Here is my world, my soul, my dreams, and my heart Willingly I sacrifice, my life to you impart Baby I love you so, you make my heart dance If you'd only love me, give me half a chance The stars above are saying, together we should be If you ask me be your girl, I will accept gladly My love for you my sweetheart you will never know Come with me to heaven love, together we will go Carrying my love; Carrying my love
33.
Shame The Devil Ken Punshon & Chris Pyam 2011 [Tell the truth and shame the devil That's what the papers used to say Now we've heard in stories sev'ral That's not the case in present day] They write their words they tell their stories Making out it all is true Supporting labour or the tories It's all the same for me and you [] Left or right, perhaps in the middle One thing that we must observe It's society that's on the fiddle We get the press that we deserve [] There are still those that strive with insight For the goal of the fourth estate Searching always for wrongs to write Trying to keep the record straight [] Let's shine bright lights into dark places Help us all disperse the gloom One sure thing the human race is Not about to change real soon [Tell the truth and shame the devil That's what we ought to try to do Balanced comment, on the level Coming from all of-us too]
34.
Sense of Freedom (92) Chris Pyam & Ken Punshon (2012) See the demonstrations Asking freedom for us all Read the pleas for help there In the writing on the wall Hear the cries of people Trapped in urban sprawl Crying for release now Against the wailing wall [Hear the clarion call Raise the banners tall We can make the barriers fall] Smell the sweet corruption Through which we're forced to crawl The stink of putrefaction From within the Street of Walls Tasting pain and deprivation Outside the hallowed halls There's no expression of compassion From behind those Chinese walls [] Touch our hearts with hope now Give courage to us all Learning how together We can destroy that wall Feel the sense of freedom With joy the people call Together, reunited Now we've pulled down that wall [] [] We can make the barriers fall We can make the barriers fall
35.
Sun Shine's Low (93) Ken Punshon & Chris Pyam (2012) The sun shines low, the birds fly high The gleaming orb of Venus, shows that dusk is nigh Magenta tinged with cyan, the irridescent haze Shimmers down to purple with expiring rays Creeping frosty tendrils, snake 'cross thread-bare trees Hard hearted hexagons adorn the (shivering) plants with ease Twisted shards of ice, lace the laggard stream Glittering crystals silence the autumn's dying scream Dust and dark combining; night now stalks the land Snow-shrouded forest, by the wind is fanned Laying covering fondant beneath the icy squall My perspective shimmers as I shelter neath the wall My perspective shimmers as I shelter neath the wall
36.
Horsemen (96) Chris Pyam & Ken Punshon (2012) Last night as I lay turning and tossing in my bed An apocalyptic horserace was running through my head Four horsemen bunched together; the riders of the storm A ghastly apparition in ghostly uniform The first of them a white horse; its rider held a bow Upon his head the victor's crown, none dare he oppose He may have been a ringer, rode under several names But still he was competing, his horse with hooves aflame Next there came a red one; all peace it swept away Carrying a sword with which the human race to slay Then there came a black horse racing up the rails Measuring injustice with a pair of scales In fourth place was a pale horse, he looked a little green Death and devastation, his symbols could be seen More warfare and dire famines, awful plagues, disease Followed on behind him along with dark Hades Suddenly a fifth horse, came up on the outside Terry Pratchett's Kaos, frisky, running wide Certainly a long shot, with a monkey on its back Frantically careering along the beaten track The Valkerie behind them out for their daily ride Were coming on the inside, vying for the prize Some images quite gruesome, echoed in my head Of dividing victor's spoils, of sorting out the dead Come, I heard the shouting, like thunder in the night Plaintiff souls were wailing, shivering with fright At last a revelation as I woke from my nightmare By the pounding of the horseshoes, quite nearby I swear Last night as I lay turning and tossing in my bed An apocalyptic horserace was running through my head At last a revelation as I woke from my nightmare By the pounding of the horseshoes, quite nearby I swear
37.
Forlorn (97) Ken Punshon & Chris Pyam (2012) [Forlorn, the empty evening sky Forlorn, just leave me here to cry Forlorn, no matter how I try You've left me, forlorn] Such dreams that I thought we both shared Maelstrom for which I'd not prepared Now I wonder how it was we dared I just want to know We were together standing strong Thinking (that) we could do no wrong What future, now that you have gone I just want to know [] It was for you and you alone Experience such as you've never known Why is it these pleasures you disown I just want to know Now I go, my dreams remain unborn Spirit crushed, heart into pieces torn Tell me why, upon this darkest morn I just want to know I just want to know
38.
Whispers (111) Ken Punshon, Chris Pyam, Heather Dunn (2014) [Come whisper in my ear, and breath those soft delights There's nothing here to fear; within this peaceful night I ask you now draw near and help me reach the heights Then you can shed a tear and fly into the light] This fragile world we know, tis but a thin veneer But it was always so; into the mists we peer Which way should we go, show a course to steer Help my spirit grow, help to make things clear. [] When in bed reclined on nights you lay awake If you feel inclined mediocrity forsake Energise your mind and let your spirit wake With concepts intertwined with references opaque [] What boundaries may we break when our fears we stow And for heaven's sake caution to winds we throw The things we can create results that we can show The whole world it will shake though progress may be slow [] x2
39.
Seaside Sunday Ken Punshon & Chris Pyam (2020) Seaside town, on Sunday morning Cafe's open, people stir Bacon butties and strong coffee Help to clear their tongues of fur Last night's revels, near forgotten Partners, friends, were wronged and lost Arguments, disputes, remembered Now's the time to count the cost Leaden skies dank and dismal Misty rain is in the air Broken waves are sliding backwards Newspapers blow round the square Derelict and dreary pier with Slot machines and penny arcade Gulls are swooping, stealing snippets Think about mistakes we made Near the sea a stranded sofa Used syringes laying there Residents are far from happy Walk to church and offer prayer Clocktower sounds ten o'clock Supermarket opening doors Many people now are leaving Moving onward, from these shores Moving onward, from these shores Moving onward, from these shores...
40.
Another Year Ken Punshon (2015) [Another year has gone, The months and weeks flown past (The) Days were just a hazy blur, then Another year has gone] [Another year has gone, The months and weeks flown past (The) Days were just a hazy blur, then Another year has gone] Hours turn into days, (we) Scarcely note the change Morning noon and night are gone, as Hours turn into days Monday comes around, Time and time again Blink your eyes, a week has gone as Monday comes around [] Months slip by real fast; Four weeks is but a breath Before you know the next one's gone, Months slip by real fast The seasons fade away, From winter into spring The summer's gone then autumn's here. The seasons fade away [] Another decade gone, Ten years in just a flash In a trice, it's all rolled past Another decade gone!
41.
Excuses Ken Punshon (2017) [Excuses, these excuses, yes we've heard them all before Excuses, these excuses, but I'm sure there're many more] Here's a ballad that I'll sing to you, it might be somewhat long It's got six dozen verses, so I'm sure I'll get some wrong Got a cough, a cold, a froggy throat, and I don't yet know the words If the harmonies drift off a bit, just pretend you never heard [] My guitar don't like the temperature, it's either hot or cold And the strings are really furry, on account of being old. It really needs a bit of tu-u-ning, to get the thing in key The accompaniment would be better, I'm sure you will agree [] My finger joints are stiff today, I've broken two more nails I'm sure the tuning's gone again, and my barre chords will fail Should have done a tab-la-ture, to give me some idea And printed out the words larg-er, so they would be quite clear [] As you know I'd problems getting here, and my partner's not arrived She's got my bag of bits with her, and my capo is inside The traffic was quite terrible, it was jammed up all the way If I'd known that it would be-so-bad, I'd have set off yesterday. [] Of course I'm nervous to perform for you, not done the like before So when the chords or words go wrong, forgive me I implore This piece has complex harmonies, in several different keys The highest note's quite daunting, and fills me with unease [Excuses, these excuses, we hear them all the time Excuses, these excuses, now let me tell you mine] {Apology/Excuse}
42.
Zig Zag Ken Punshon & Chris Pyam (2019) Zig zag, zig zag No drop off here ZZZZ Car park is dear ZZZZ Signs are very clear Airport security ZZZZ Standing in a queue ZZZZ Maybe start to move ZZZZ Some are going through Airport security <<>> ZZZZ Put it in a tray ZZZZ Turn the other way ZZZZ Scan with X-ray Airport security ZZZZ Take off your shoes ZZZZ Now they scan you ZZZZ You're nearly through Airport security {Bridge } Through passport control, Time for coffee and cake Uncomfortable seats for hours, Then down to the gate ZZZZ Delayed again ZZZZ To board the plane ZZZZ Standing in the rain Waiting in a queue ZZZZ Up the steps we race ZZZZ To find our place ZZZZ For luggage space (we're) Waiting in a queue <<>> ZZZZ It's not our day ZZZZ Heard the captain say ZZZZ For takeoff, there's a long delay Waiting in a queue {Bridge } Sunshine on clouds, Far beneath our plane Have a long doze, Then back to earth again ZZZZ Through corridors stroll ZZZZ Pass port control ZZZZ Many people behold, all Waiting in a queue ZZZZ Luggage carousel ZZZZ Our anxiety quell ZZZZ Found YOUR bag as well Waiting in a queue <<>> ZZZZ To customs gate ZZZZ Blue channel's great ZZZZ Don't have to wait, no Waiting in a queue ZZZZ The car park's hell ZZZZ Noone's parked parallel ZZZZ Forgot to pay as well, now Waiting in a queue {Bridge - slowing} Motorway chaos now, Because of sudden shower So after two more/several hours, We're FINALLY at home
43.
Searching Chris Pyam & Ken Punshon (2014) [Searching, searching, everybody's searching Searching for the things they need Searching, searching, always searching Curiousity is guaranteed ] Searching for food and water; Searching for a wife A place to raise the children, to have a happy life Searching for an explanation Searching for the reason(s) why Searching 'til the day we die [] Searching for understanding, Searching for the truth Aiming to enjoy ourselves , as we did in youth Searching for security Searching for self esteem Searching for all our dreams [] Searching for the melody, Searching for the words Trying to find the title, of the track we heard Searching for happiness Searching for a role Searching for alcohol [] Searching now with Google, Searching now with Bing Find the answer on the web for almost anything Searching for sanity Searching now for peace Searching for surcease [] (x2?)
44.
Come With Me Ken Punshon & Chris Pyam [2020] Come with me, down from the branches CWM to the foot of the tree CWM, across the grasslands To see the world come along with me [CWM, CWM A beautiful world we WILL see CWM, CWM To see the world come along with me] CWM, past the coldest ice fields CWM through the desert sands CWM, just follow the farming See the world changed by human hand [CWM, CWM A beautiful world we CAN see CWM, CWM To see the world come along with me] CWM, watch the towns growing CWM as the countries are born CWM, count the people expanding See our modern world being formed [CWM, CWM A beautiful world we MIGHT see CWM, CWM To see the world come along with me] CWM, to the inner sanctums CWM where money is king CWM, keep the coal and oil flowing While the world burns we'll fiddle and sing [CWM, CWM A beautiful world we CAN'T see CWM, CWM To see the world come along with me] CWM, midst oceans of plastic. CWM to see the species fade CWM, smell mountains of rubbish. See the almighty mess we have made. [CWM, CWM. The beautiful world we DON'T see CWM, CWM. To wreck the world come along with me]
45.
Blue Train Ken Punshon & Chris Pyam Big engine's groaning, and letting off steam It's eager to get underway Heading down from Calais, to the Gare Du Nord Just see all those coaches sway [Blue train, taking the tour Blue train, heading for the Cote d'Azur] x2 Rolling on through Picardie, to the Ile de France Listen to the rhythm of the train The passengers are cruising, as they do their boozing Supping their pink Champagne [Blue train, blue, blue train. Heading for the Cote d'Azur] x2 {Bridge} Round and round the Paris, Metro we go Trying to get there on time At the Gare de Lyon we don't know Which platform, or which line (for the) [Blue train, blue, blue train. Heading for the Cote d'Azur] x2 {or alternate?} Rushing for the train and trying to get on board Catching Le Train Bleu Not quite the same since it opened to the hordes Have to have another liqueur (on the) [Blue train, blue, blue train. Heading for the Cote d'Azur] x2 {End Bridge} The dining car is special, just taste that haute cuisine Finished with a glass of strong cognac Stopping off at Dijon, then onward to Lyon Now we're all floating down the track (with the) [Blue train, taking the tour. Blue train, heading for the Cote d'Azur] x2 The Wagons-Lits are rolling, the couchettes are down We're travelling the chemin de fer Early in the morning we'll be stopping at Menton Until then, I couldn't care (Aboard the) [Blue train, blue, blue train. Heading for the Cote d'Azur] x2 {Heading for the Cote d'Azur, Fading out to steam noise}
46.
Waterside Ken Punshon & Chris Pyam (2016/2019) [The day The Waterside Inn fell in (The sky was cloudy and grey) The day The Waterside Inn fell in The Irwell washed it away] Back in '15 at Christmas time, Eva came to play She left us a present we'll never forget, four inches of rain in a day The ground was already sodden, as relentless rain arrived As rivers climbed to record heights, nobody was surprised Severe flood warnings were put in place, early on Boxing Day But just how bad it was going to be nobody could say The Ogden and Irwell burst their banks, immersing Irwell Vale Where 62 homes were flooded out, it was a sorry tale [] Lumb, Stubbins and Ramsbottom, Nuttall Park and down Summerseat and Bury town, inundation all around Pleas for help came flooding in, the council couldn't cope So the community pulled together to give the needy hope The Grant Arms set as community hub, to handle the demands Streams of volunteers appeared, ready to lend their hands Ferrying and food parcels, clean-up and pet care Repairs and ripping out of (muck?), relieving of despair [] Five years of water under the bridge While waiting for repairs The roadway's back, a walkway too But the Waterside's no longer there [] [The day The Waterside Inn fell in The Irwell washed it away]

about

This is a placeholder for lyrics of tracks that are (reasonably) complete, but not yet properly recorded.

The tracks are (more or less) in the order they were written.

credits

released July 21, 2012

license

all rights reserved

tags

about

Thursday's Child UK

Thursday's Child was born on a Monday (August Bank Holiday 2009)!

Chris Pyam and Ken Punshon got together to try out a couple of ideas for songs. That afternoon they created about eight songs; since then over 100 more have emerged, with a few more 'bubbling away'.

Heather Dunn joined us in Nov 13 to contribute additional harmonies during the creation of our third album (Carry My Thoughts).
... more

contact / help

Contact Thursday's Child

Streaming and
Download help

Redeem code

Report this album or account

If you like Thursday's Child, you may also like: