Lyr Add: A Discworld Farewell

Subject: Lyr Add: A Discworld Farewell
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 19 Apr 15 - 02:39 PM

This song has appeared in other formats in the obit thread for Terry Pratchett, but now I think it's finished. Other couplets have been added, and then I realised that it could scan to Troyte's Chant (Eli Jenkins evening hymn) so I moved the couplets to groups of two & changed the order to make more sense.

A DISCWORLD FAREWELL
Nigel Parsons: ttto Troyte's Chant

That dreaded time, alas, has come.
"Last orders" at the Broken Drum.
Dibbler's work at last is done.
There's no more "sausage in a bun"

The Unseen University,
Will now pass into history.
Th' librarian with a puzzled look,
Gave just one single comment: "Ook!"

Now Nanny's songs will not be voiced.
There's no more scams for Mr Moist.
The Seamstress' Guild no longer sew,
They'll find another road to Ho.†1

Now Nobby : Samuel Vimes †2
No longer solve Ankh-Morpork's crimes.
The Watch have had their last back-hander -
"The Times" declares (this may be slander)†3

The list of books will grow no greater,
As DEATH has met his own creator.
And, so we ring the passing bell,
(Spoken) Sir Tel,
                  Farewell!

†Typical Pratchettian footnotes:
1, Yes, 'ho' is correct, check an American dictionary
2, This line does scan. For ":" read "Colon"
3, Okay, I know if it's published it's more likely to be libel, but that doesn't rhyme with back-hander, and I did say may be slander.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: A Discworld Farewell
From: Helen
Date: 19 Apr 15 - 03:43 PM

Thanks Nick!


I especially like the "Nobby :" bit.

I've been a fan of Mr Pratchett for about 30 years. When I worked in a public library I stacked the shelves with every Pratchett book I could order, so I may hopefully have contributed to boosting his fan base in one small area of regional NSW, Australia.


Did you see the documentary on Mr Pratchett regarding his choice to die? He was particularly concerned that when he might be ready to go, he would no longer be legally considered able to make his own choice, due to his illness. Very poignant.

Helen

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: A Discworld Farewell
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 19 Apr 15 - 07:43 PM

Thanks Helen,
Yes, I've been a fan from the start.
I've met him several times at signings & conventions. Always a gentleman (even when dealing with those who would monopolise his time/availability).
I've written very few 'obit' songs. Terry, Robin Williams, my father & my brother. So only those whose deaths have a real resonance for me.

The above (in one of its earlier formats) was done as a poem at our local folk club (for 'folk club' read 'open mic night') last week.
I'm not 'precious' (my precious, stole it they did . . .) about my lyrics. Consider them 'Public Domain' as long as no-one's making a profit from them.

Cheers
Nigel (I'll answer to 'Nick'. "Call me anything as long as it's not 'late for breakfast'")

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: A Discworld Farewell
From: Helen
Date: 20 Apr 15 - 05:36 AM

A thousand apologies, Nigel. I must have Nicked your name from somewhere else. :-)

I've just - about 10 minutes ago - finished reading The Fifth Element. In that book, Sgt Colon is Fred and not Nobby. Nobby is Corporal "Nobby" Nobbs.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: A Discworld Farewell
From: GUEST,Dave the Gnome
Date: 21 Apr 15 - 04:46 AM

I think that is what the line means, Helen - Nobby, Colon, Samuel Vimes. I am sure Nigel will correct me if I am wrong but he did not use commas as he used the : instead of 'Colon' and it would have looked odd.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: A Discworld Farewell
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 21 Apr 15 - 05:20 AM

Thanks Dave,
Yes, Nobby Nobbs & Fred Colon are distinct characters, although they usually appear as a double act. They are either guardians of the law, or petty criminals, depending on whether anyone's looking!