I've popped a few requests for help on to the Mudcat Cafe over the past few weeks and have been very impressed by the willingness of total strangers to help out a fellow traveller. I've been looking for ways to give back a little in return.

I see that there are no lyrics in the database for a song "England's Motorways". My dad used to sing this as one of his party-pieces. It's to the tune of "The Homes of Donegal", the same tune used by Shane MacGowan for his "Song With No Name" on "The Snake".

I have heard that the lyrics were by Ewan MacColl - but haven't been able to prove or disprove.

ENGLAND's MOTORWAYS

Come over here, my little son, and I'll tell you what to do
Undress yourself and get into bed and a tale I'll tell to you
It's all about your daddy, he's a man you seldom see
For he's forced to roam, far away from home, far, far from you and me

CHORUS
But remember lad, he's still your dad
Though he's working far away
In the cold and the heat, all the hours of the week
On England's Motorways

So if you fall and hurt yourself and get up feeling bad
It isn't any use to go a-running for your dad
For the only time since you were born that he's spent some time with you
He was out of a job and he hadn't a bob, he was signing on the buroo

CHORUS

Sure we'd like your daddy here and wouldn't it be fine
To have him working here at home and be with us all the time
But beggars can't be choosers, so we have to bear the load
Cos we need the money your daddy earns, working on the road

CHORUS ^^^ (click)

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