Basil

Album: Tracker (2015)
Play Video
  • My Saturday job pays six and six down
    A copy boy at the Chronicle
    Five cigarettes and two silver half crowns
    Meeting Vince at Mark Toney's in town
    Boy, do we get around

    Basil sits there on the table for subs
    But not a part of the Bri-nylon club
    Ancient blue sweater, too old for the job
    Bored out of his mind
    With the Colins and Bobs

    I'm a jack and a lad
    And I'm up for the world
    And I've kissed a Gateshead girl

    He calls for a copy boy, grumpy as hell
    Poets have to eat as well
    What he wouldn't give just to walk out today
    To have time to think about time
    And young love thrown away

    I'm a jack and a lad
    And I'm up for the world
    And I've kissed a Gateshead girl

    Starlings swarming
    A cloud over Grainger Street
    Over the black church
    Over the Black Gate
    And the shadowy Keep

    He peers through his wire rims
    At the fish and chip words
    He's supposed to dish up and forget
    His drudgery now has become slightly blurred
    By one of his Players untipped cigarettes

    Bury all joy
    Put the poems in sacks
    And bury me here with the hacks

    In the summer the fair
    Will stretch over the Moor
    Lovers will lie and make out in the park
    Basil puts on his old duffel and scarf
    And goes out into the dark Writer/s: MARK KNOPFLER
    Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 3

  • Len from Texas UsaI had gone through inflationary historical data and all that, and determined that MK's "six and sixpence" (in 1965, my guess was close) equates to about L7.43 in 2023, which sounds about right for a Saturday afternoon job but should be much more than 5 cigarettes and two half crowns (1/4 pound). "Poetic license"?
  • Leah Barbee from Colorado, U.s.Basil Bunting is my great-grandfather & this was so interesting to learn about! Thank you :)
  • Juanjo from SpainThanks for the explanation.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Mick Jones of Foreigner

Mick Jones of ForeignerSongwriter Interviews

Foreigner's songwriter/guitarist tells the stories behind the songs "Juke Box Hero," "I Want To Know What Love Is," and many more.

Rick Springfield

Rick SpringfieldSongwriter Interviews

Rick has a surprising dark side, a strong feminine side and, in a certain TV show, a naked backside. But he still hasn't found Jessie's Girl.

Ian Astbury of The Cult

Ian Astbury of The CultSongwriter Interviews

The Cult frontman tells who the "Fire Woman" is, and talks about performing with the new version of The Doors.

David Paich of Toto

David Paich of TotoSongwriter Interviews

Toto's keyboard player explains the true meaning of "Africa" and talks about working on the Thriller album.

Chris Squire of Yes

Chris Squire of YesSongwriter Interviews

One of the most dynamic bass player/songwriters of his time, Chris is the only member of Yes who has been with the band since they formed in 1968.

Martyn Ware of Heaven 17

Martyn Ware of Heaven 17Songwriter Interviews

Martyn talks about producing Tina Turner, some Heaven 17 hits, and his work with the British Electric Foundation.