Henry's Songbook

(Michael McConnell)

  I'm very glad you asked me that for at this point in time
  In the circumstances that prevail it is in the pipeline
  Infrastructural implications interfaced with lines of thought
  Which lead to grassroot viabilities which at this point I'd rather not
  Enunciate in ambiguity but rather seek to find
  Negotiated compromises which are the bottom line
  So in the interest of the common good then you need have no fear
  I have the matter well in hand I'm glad I've made things clear

Twenty fruitless years I worked in Glasgow town
I was reporting for a newspaper, I was busy writing down
All the words of politicians in my endless quest for truth
It was in such a wasted exercise I squandered all my youth
This was the cause of my misfortune as I'll explain to you
Because I find myself now talking like politicians do
So if anyone should ask me, do I take sugar in my tea
I clasp him warmly by the hand and this is what I say

As you can imagine this has greatly changed my life
An example was the fateful day on which I wed my wife
All went well till the moment when the priest said with a smile
Do you take this woman for your wife? and quickly I replied

I'm lying on my deathbed and I'm filled with mortal dread
I know that very shortly I'll certainly be dead
And when St Peter asks me do I want to come on in
I'm sure to face damnation 'cause I know I'll say to him

As sung by Iain MacKintosh