Versions

Version	Length	Source	Availability	Buy
Studio	3:40	Jack Howard Shadowlands album.	Moderately common. Available new in digital form.

Recommended Version.

Commentary

Jack’s comments from Bandcamp:

Another song about my dad, who was also a singer – a very fine one in the mould of Bing Crosby or Dick Haymes. He once said, after multiple hip/back/knee operations, that the only time the pain went away was when he was on stage.

Lyrics

If I can sing then I’ll find a way out
Boy, I’ve got trouble but I can still hold a tune
Lurching around like a drunken sailor
What shall you do with me?
Put me in the longboat
But I’m as sober as a judge
And who are you to judge me?

Just let me sing, for God’s sake
And I’ll find a way out
Because I can still hold a tune, I can still lull the beast

Then the room goes quiet
And the pain goes away
All those ladies in the shadow are swaying in time
Simple as ABC, just let me sing
I’ll say grace tonight, bless the beasts and the children

Just let me sing, for God’s sake
And I’ll find a way out
I can still hold a tune, I can still lull the beast

If I can sing then I’ll find a way out
I’ve got trouble, I can still hold a tune
Lurching around like a drunken sailor
What shall you do with me?
Put me in the longboat
But I’m as sober as a judge
And who are you to judge me?

Just let me sing, for God’s sake
And I’ll find a way out
Because I can still hold a tune, I can still lull the beast

Just let me sing, for God’s sake
And I’ll find a way out
I can still hold a tune, I can still lull the beast