A Most Unpleasant Way, Sir

©1967 Dave Goulder

        This is in Dave Goulder's book of songs called the January Man and Other Songs. I don't know what all else is in the book, save for "The Dark North Sea,"which is one of the most lovely songs in the English language. This song represents one of his many facets; his songs are so distinct and different from each other that the only consistent denominator is their quality.

It was in the falling summer rain I found myself one day, sir,
And I met a young man with a bird in his hand
And this, to me, did say, sir.
"This bird you see has been with me Since the 23rd of May sir ... "
And all the time the rain came down In a most unpleasant way, sir.

Well I looked at the bird in the young man's hand
And the bird looked back at me sir.
'Twas a vulture plain from the hills of Spain
I could so clearly see sir.
I said "I fear it's waiting here For you to pass away sir."
And all the time the rain came down In a most unpleasant way sir.

Well the young man shook his head and cried,
"Whatever shall I do, sir?
For I swear it's only right and fair That I give this bird to you sir."
I answered. "No, " and turned to go, But something made me stay sir ...
And the bird was sitting on my arm In a most unpleasant way sir.

So, here I've stood upon this spot
For many's the night and day sir
For who could tend my feathered friend
'Til you came by this way, sir?
And now, the bird to you transferred, I can no longer stay, sir.
For it hurts to see you look at me In that most unpleasant way sir.

A Most Unplesant Way, Sir is recorded on the CD A Rogue's Gallery of Songs for 12-String