And now for something completely different...

This song came from a random thought about how a single event can alter the course of your life. It might be a day in your life, or just a moment in that day, but it changes everything completely and forever. Having got the idea for the song, I needed to give it a happy ending, because my wife complains that all my songs are too sad and I started to worry that she might leave me for someone more cheerful.

It's all done in PowerTracks and I thought for once I'd try to kick the reverb habit, so everything is dry right up to the fade where I slipped back into my old ways. Thanks once again to Jessie and Courtney for their contribution to the vocals.

https://soundcloud.com/music-prof/the-ballad-of-henry-mann

Henry woke up that morning
He was tired of life and living on his own
He didn't go to work, he walked down the block
Saw a sign, went in and bought a gun (oh no not a gun)
An old car, no gas in the tank (no gas)
No food and no money in the bank (no cash)
"Might as well shoot myself, I'll end it all
Or maybe go down the bank and make an unscheduled withdrawal".
Yes, I think I will.

(It's funny how life can get you down
It's funny how things can turn around).

When Henry got down to the City Bank
He couldn't get in, there was a queue at the door (Oh no)
He pulled his gun, he pushed his way through
He said "I just can't wait anymore" (I just can't wait)
Just then there was a punk running out
With a bag of money in his hand (It's a hold up)
Henry shot him down without a second thought
He said "It was always my turn to rob the bank.
You know it was."

Henry was a hero that's what everybody felt 'cos
No one knew he'd planned to rob the bank himself
He got a reward, 'cos he saved the bank that day
Henry laughed and said -
"Who says crime doesn't pay? You know it does!"

You may be happy to know that in the third verse, which didn't make it into the mix, the punk makes a full recovery, reforms and finds worthwhile employment as a Financial Adviser.

A strange song, but mine own...

ROG.

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