Joe, I see you beat me to the tune of the Hamish Imlach song. However, I checked the lyrics (just in case anyone is going to add them to the DT), and this is what Hamish sings on his last album, 'More and Merrier' (on CD and still available from KRL Lochshore), and the scant info he was able to give:

SHIT I'VE FORGOTTEN THE WORDS
(Anon)

Chorus:
On a packet of fags I'd written them down
I threw them away as I drove into town
Now I feel a bit of a clown
Shit, I've forgotten the words

My heart is a-pounding within my breast
I know the first line, I forgot all the rest
A memory like mine is a hell of a pest
Shit, I've forgotten the words

The last time I sang them they went down a treat
Dogs were howling out on the street
I spilt my beer all over my feet
'Cos shit, I've forgotten the words

Sometimes they come back line by line as I sing
Tonight I can't seem to remember a thing
Ian McCalman will know, I'll give him a ring
Oh shit, I've forgotten his number

So come all you singers, practise your verse
If you do not you surely will curse
But I remembered the tune, it could have been worse
Next time I'll remember the words

[1995:] Learnt from Murray Lewis of Bracknell who sang it to me in a pub in Stony Stratford. (Notes Hamish Imlach, 'More and Merrier')


I'd be interested to hear if there is anything in Leadfingers' info on the author. Also, I fondly hope the automatic line breaks work!