Son Play Another Coster Song

For sharing of original song lyrics, together with haiku, sonnets and other unusual poetry forms. Although not strictly bush poetry, we welcome the sharing of members' compositions in these three genres, with a view to inclusiveness and mutual encouragement. Open to all Registered Forum Users. See Board Index for separate section on free verse and non-rhyming poetry.
Post Reply
User avatar
thestoryteller
Posts: 625
Joined: Mon Nov 22, 2010 3:02 pm
Location: Bargara, Queensland.
Contact:

Son Play Another Coster Song

Post by thestoryteller » Tue Jun 14, 2016 3:47 pm

SON PLAY ANOTHER COSTER SONG

The old man clutched his walker as he slowly shuffled by,
Then paused and turned towards me with a glint in his old eye
I sensed he liked the Coster song that I was knocking out
And something ‘bout the way he smiled sure left me in no doubt.

Then as I strummed the final chord he winked and smiled some more
And something told me this old man loved ballads that’s for sure.
He threw three gold coins in my case and wished me all the best,
Then with a frail and feeble voice he whispered this request.

CHORUS

“Son play another Coster song and make an old man’s day.
I haven’t many up my sleeve or so the Doctor’s say.
You sing and paint the pictures lad of words Stan put to pen
And let me share the memories of a life I lived back then.

I said old man I’d feel real proud to sing this one for you,
‘cause surely it’s my fav’rite song and mate perhaps yours too.
He closed his eyes and drifted off and it was plain to see
that this old man was warming to a gidyea memory.

The years spent out on stock routes with a creaking wagonette,
a pair of dusty moleskins and those mates you don’t forget.
Black tea and camp made damper and a swag wrap for a bed
and all the while the old man’s words were ringing in my head.

CHORUS

“Son play another Coster song and make an old man’s day.
I haven’t many up my sleeve or so the Doctor’s say.
You sing and paint the pictures lad of words Stan put to pen
And let me share the memories of a life I lived back then.

He tipped his old Akubra back and reached out with his hand
And though the years had sapped his strength his grip was mighty grand.
“Son Coster had a gift you see to tell things how they were,
His ballads reached the hearts of folk, to this I can concur.

We miss the old mate and his wife; god bless their mortal souls,
So keep the mem’ries burning like a fire of gidyea coals.
Then as I watched him shuffle off, I treasured what he said,
‘Cause that wise man was my old dad. God bless his old grey head.

CHORUS

“Son play another Coster song and make an old man’s day.
I haven’t many up my sleeve or so the Doctor’s say.
You sing and paint the pictures lad of words Stan put to pen
And let me share the memories of a life I lived back then.


© Bush Poet and Ballad Writer -Merv Webster
Some days your the pidgeon and other days the statue.

Post Reply