THE SPINNING WHEEL
(Composed prior to 1971; from manuscript held by B. Burke)I’m spinning to Manchester Picca-da-dilly
from high in the cab they seem silvery chilly
for the moon she has frosted our white concrete sleepers
Though the rest of the world hasn’t opened its peepers.
Spin-the-wheel, spin-the-wheel, keep ’em a-turning.
(Touching a “Ton” and your living you’re earning.)
While high on a tightrope the moon walks her pale way
on the High-voltage wire that’s the life of the railway.
Now to the Eastwards the night is a-lifting.
Notch up to a hundred, to show that you’re shifting
come on, you old donkey! I’ll set you a-braying
I’ll switch on the Klaxon and hear you a-saying
“Eee-aw” and “Eee-aw, I’m racing the brightness!”
Spin-the-wheel, spin-the-wheel, sweetness and lightness
will follow the dawning, the morning will find us
with Me Lords all asleep in the Sleepers behind us …?
Hush-up you old Chanticleer – less of your crowing
One hundred and two, oh I know that we’re going
and though I’m impressed by your voice loud and cheery
it just might distress all our Businessmen weary
Lullaby, lullaby, gently we’ll rock ’em
Spin the wheel, spin the wheel, p’raps it would shock ’em
to wake in the morning and see what they’re missing
- the sky blushing pink at the dawn’s urgent kissing.
For soon will arise the great Orb of the Morning
a-spilling the gold of a bright Cheshire dawning.
(You’d think you’re a Poet – oh isn’t it silly
while spinning along to Picca-da-dilly.)
Spin-the-wheel, spin-the-wheel, keep the Wheel spinning.
Spun the World, Spun the World from the Beginning …
Bright over Cheshire the Sun spills its treasure …
- and “Earning a living” is nearly a pleasure …!
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