KING OF 5A
(Composed prior to 1971; from manuscript held by B. Burke)There’s some half convinces that clanky ol’ Princes
are ‘Lords of the Line’ – but they’ve all had their day.
There’s the odd few survivors for newly passed-Drivers
but all the Top-link know what’s King of 5A.
It ain’t just a ‘Prince’, oh no, by God it’s not
It isn’t a ‘Claughton’ – nor even a ‘Scot’.
All good locomotives I’ll grant you – I’ve drove ’em;
but I’ve got an engine that knows how to sing
with such exultation it shakes all Crewe Station …
When you’ve had a ‘Coronation’ you KNOW you’re a King!
Not only you know it – there’s others who know –
- the kids on the platform a-watching you go!
Course I don’t have to mention to Union Convener
that driving an engine, I rather enjoy …
for the “Vile L.M.S.” (May it grow ever greener,
it ain’t paid a Divvy since God was a boy).
For union Convener he would paint 5A shed
to match all the engines, - a bright roaring Red!
… My 6226 has got gold lining curled*
round a big scarlet bosom. A Duchess indeed.
When she’s stepping it out we’re on top of the world
though I’m flogging me guts out of course, I’ve agreed …
.. But I’m in the ‘Top-Link’, and when earning your pay
with a great ‘Coronation – you’re King of 5A!
* (?) PROBABLY inaccurate. 6226 no doubt went straight from Blue to BLACK.
(Working class TORY!)
