BARGES
(Ralph McTell

Ralph McTell - 1972



Me and my brother returned to the water
I saw a pike that was two feet long
Two small magicians, each with a jam jar
Cast spells on the water with hazel twig wands

And the country boys catch tadpoles, dive into water
Made shy by their laughter, we wandered downstream
And summer rolled over us with no complications
'Cept thinkin' of Mama sometimes in dreams

We'd stand by the drawbridge, waiting for barges
Waiting around for smiles from the men
Lifting the bridge whilst watching the horses
Dragging the slow boats up the canal

And I do remember the times, but no number
After the day, but before evening comes
Waiting for castles and kettles with roses
Painted on barges that sailed into the sun

Oh, see the river run, that was by man begun 
Open the locks and let the boats sail on,
Takin' their castles and kettles with roses
With summers of childhood leaving smiles on the man


(Transcribed by Mel Priddle - September 2010)