On This Sunday

I'm with you Ralph. This is the best I can do in that respect, at this time........ I was there I was there, a proud centurion; That time when I stood on parade. I gave my homage to Caesar, Then I conquered the world unafraid. I was there with Genghis Khan; I was all of his fearsome horde. I pillaged all over the Steppes And I put my foes to the sword. I was there with the conquistadors, When I captured the brand new world. I slaughtered across the continent, With glorious banner unfurled. I was there with great Napoleon; It was I with the fire and thunder. I was there with musket and cannon, And I shook the world asunder. I was there for war in the trenches; I marched to everyone’s band. I killed my peers by the million, All for the sake of my homeland. I was there for the Second World War; I was both the good and the bad. I pulled the triggers and dropped the bombs On each army at Stalingrad. I was there through all of the wars; There to kill, to maim and to fell. I'm all of those poor misguided grunts, I'll be there when we march into hell.

Shipbuilding Is it worth it A new winter coat and shoes for the wife And a bicycle on the boy’s birthday It’s just a rumour that was spread around town By the women and children Soon we’ll be shipbuilding Well I ask you The boy said ’dad they’re going to take me to task But I’ll be back by christmas’ It’s just a rumour that was spread around town Somebody said that someone got filled in For saying that people get killed in The result of this shipbuilding With all the will in the world Diving for dear life When we could be diving for pearls It’s just a rumour that was spread around town A telegram or a picture postcard Within weeks they’ll be re-opening the shipyards And notifying the next of kin Once again It’s all we’re skilled in We will be shipbuilding With all the will in the world Diving for dear life When we could be diving for pearls Elvis Costello

Of course not Shacks. The lyrics I printed are about the Falklands War and the true story about a father who worked in the shipyards in the north of England that had closed. The Father got his job back after his son who was a sailor in the Royal Navy got killed on HMS Sheffield in Port Stanley. They had to build new ships after the war you see. Its one of the most heartbreking songs ever written in my mind. It was written by Elvis for Robert Wyatt, but Elvis's version is way better with Chet Baker giving a sublime trumpet solo. Regards Ralph

Saw Elvis Costello at the Festival Hall a few weeks ago. Shipbuilding was as poignant and relevant as ever.

I'm not sure "reverence" is a verb. "Revere" I think.