Please forgive this indulgence, but this has never been more appropriate, now the tears have dried a little I can type it, I wrote it in 1999.
            The Gentleman of Song
Some say i'm gentle Johnny, i've a smile for all I meet,
I've a pair of lusty bellows, and a pair of well shod feet,
Some say i'm gentle Johnny, i'm rambling along,
Some say i'm gentle Johnny, the Gentleman of Song,

No Squire in his mansion, no Vicar in his Manse,
Is happier than Johnny, what'er my circumstance,
When I arrive bone weary, i'm washed and then i'm fed,
And when i'm tired of singing, folk find for me a bed,

I've wandered Britains highways, I Started as a lad,
I've wandered Britains highways, and the only load i've had,
To keep me in my pleasure, and the life that I have led,
Are the Ballads, songs and stories, i've carried in my head,

They know me in Australia, and in far Americay,
And all around the Lowlands, i've sung to earn my pay,
I ask for very little, folk give me so much more,
For there's a smile to greet me, when I land at their door,

The years they treat me kindly, yet I can feel their pound,
But if the Good Lord spares me, i'll sing the seasons round,
And when St. Peter calls me, I'll answer with a song,
And join the Heavenly Chorus, the Angels all among,

Some say i'm gentle Johnny, i've a smile for all I meet,
I've a pair of lusty bellows, and a pair of well shod feet,
Some say i'm gentle Johnny, i'm rambling along,
Some say i'm gentle Johnny, the Gentleman of Song.
                                                   Scowie.