The Half Man Half Biscuit Lyrics Project » Editor’s Recommendation EP

Twenty nine links of chain around my feet

Chris The Siteowner — Tue, 26 May 2009 16:24:24 +0000

Worried Man Blues is that rarest of things, an HMHB cover on record (although there’s a cover in most live shows). It’s an American folk song popularised by The Carter Family in 1930, although the lyrics seem to vary a little between versions (notably “Rocky Mountain Line”/”RC Mountain Line” and shackles being on either “legs” or “feet”). I’ve no idea where or what the “RC Mountain Line” is, as the only reference I can find is in the lyrics to this song! Anyway, hear the George Jones version here or watch this bluegrass version by the Stanley Brothers here:

Thanks to Fifi, gNick and EskimoEric

See lyrics to Worried Man Blues

And the Pope said to his aide…

Chris The Siteowner — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 15:06:01 +0000

Vatican Broadside is a singalong which ought to cause riots if it doesn’t get played at gigs. Come on, you all know the words to this already. Worked surprisingly well out of Song to the Siren on the Peel Session.

See lyrics to Vatican Broadside

(Big thanks to Simon for help with this and the rest of the EP)

I’ve had the CBGBs…

Chris The Siteowner — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 15:01:05 +0000

New York Skiffle is so called because (I’m really proud of this) it’s got references to New York. And Skiffle. And the Velvets, and Warhol, and Burroughs. In case you care.

See lyrics to New York Skiffle

Trying to be Mansfield’s very own Steve Malkmus

Chris The Siteowner — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 14:48:00 +0000

Lark Descending is the second – consecutive – song on the Editor’s Recommendation EP which has a Hardy reference, but the only one namechecking Steve Malkmus. Still, I learned something there, I’d never heard of him, ignorant git that I am. I guessed what the J was in Buckley though.

See lyrics to Lark Descending

Ask Radiohead to switch off Blackpool lights

Chris The Siteowner — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 14:42:15 +0000

On Passing Lilac Urine is just a bunch of amusing oddments. It references Hardy and Elkie, probably. Can you tell I’m struggling for things to say?

See lyrics to On Passing Lilac Urine

I’ve asked everybody in Kazakhstan

Chris The Siteowner — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 14:35:45 +0000

Bob Wilson – Anchorman has dated somewhat because it’s astonishing how quickly Bob Wilson, as a TV footy presenter, has fallen out of the collective memory. He was pretty awful, it has to be said, although not as bad as Lineker was in the beginning. Sorry, I’m going off on one. Get Baker and Kelly doing MoTD, that’s what I say.

See lyrics of Bob Wilson – Anchorman