Old Jim

[fenderbender]

My grandmother years ago used to talk about a young uncle of hers -he was KIA in Flanders in WW1
the story was that he was 17 -he was in a local bar and a British army recruiting officer got them drunk and signed them up-never to return
however those who returned were never the same -
so this song is dedicated to them

Now old Jim sits down by the harbour wall
He stares out to sea
No one knows what's in his mind -He never shared his memories
================
But my mother told me many years ago
That old Jim fought in the war to end all wars
There'd be no wars anymore
Now Jim was just a boy of 17-But in a bar one night
A Seargent  McGreer filled them up with beer
Signed them up and packed them off to fight
=========chorus=
To a foreign country they were shipped
They did'nt even know it's name
But straight into battle -They were slaughtered like cattle
Young boys and men untrained
Chorus
Now old Jim sits by the harbour wall still stares out to sea
Knowing he was the only one to survive -From his group of 53
Ch.2
Now some nights you can hear him
crying at the moon
pacing the floor banging on his door and singing old war tunes
Now old Jim came home –spent his life alone
Never had a wife or family
People said he was a bit mad
Which is quite said --cos he fought to secure their liberty
Ch.2
Now old Jim still sits by the harbour wall still staring out to sea
Altho' he's made of stone and stands all alone
He should be a reminder of the futility of war to you and me

Thanks for listening gang

Tommy

[bruno]

Great tune - I knew an "Old Jim" - actually Ernie Faulkes I think his name was. Our next door neighbour when I was 4 or 5. We used to chat over the fence, and I was an innocent chap then, so asked him lots of questions - I wish I remember the conversations - and funnily he didn't talk about it to anyone else, but he told me it was terrible, and told me about shouting GAS, GAS, GAS ... He nip indoors and bring me stuff to play with, cigarette cards (presumably collected whilst in the trenches), and a WW1 periscopes (dated 1917) - saw some action in the trenches. Still have these gifts today, and treasure the memories. Here's the periscope Ernie gave me, it very much goes with the song. Least we forget. Brilliant song!



A relic of the "Great War"

B

[Rata-tat-tat]

Nice tune Tommy just soaking this one in. Love the lyric and the Taps at the end man that was the icing.... I dig it big time.

[Gritter]

A beautiful sombre melody and your storytelling style give this song such power. A wonderful song Tommy and a very moving tribute.

[Groundy]

Beautiful Tommy........
So well played , well recorded,well sang, and so well written, And sadly so very true,
Thanks for sharing this brilliant piece Tommy.......
Also love the ending..

Alex

[Oldrottenhead]

fmgwabp what a fabulous fabulous song, loving your gritty and  bassy vocal on this, really suits the excellent lyric and carries them across with more gravitas and poignancy.

[Tangled Wires]

Very captivating song and story, and the way you deliver your excellent vocal is brilliant, especially in the way that you mix up the spoken and sung parts

There is some mighty impressive acoustic work going on in the background there too which should not be overlooked, and the keys provide a wonderful serene and atmospheric backing.

Great stuff!

[Jarle]

This is really beautiful and touching. Great storytelling, done with emotion. I love it.

[Redler]

Your gentle voice is great on this! Very moving and beautiful story telling piece of music! Nice composition as well! Wow!

[Groundy]

Back for another listen to this cracker............