Down by the Barber Pole

Copyright, 1995 by Mike Murray (360) 379-3535

Times were hard, business slow.
Bill the Barber needed dough
When he saw Flanagan, fresh from the farm
With brothers and cousins hanging on 
To Flanagan's wagon rockin' down the street
He hollered "whoa" -- they hit their feet
Down by the barber pole.
Bill says "Flanagan, sad but true,
Those kids are bumpkins, just like you.
But half an hour in my chair
I'll style their locks, I'll cut their hair
Give 'em a neck shave with Bay Rum
They'll go places when I'm done
Down by the barber pole.

   CHORUS

   COLORS TURN, THE CYLINDER ROLLS
   YOUR EYE CAN'T FOLLOW THE BARBER POLE
   YOU'LL GET A SHAVE, YOU'LL GET A TRIM
   JUST FACE FACTS ABOUT THE FACE YOU'RE IN
   DOWN BY THE BARBER POLE

Things were cheaper in those times.
A kid's haircut was one thin dime
Four bits bought a shave and a haircut too.
Says Bill, "Tell ya what I'll do.
Gimme a quarter for each lad's crown
You'll swear on the Book they're raised in town
Down by the barber pole."
"Just don't go thinkin' they'll stay that way
If you haul 'em in every thirty days.
Gotta have a trim every week or so
Just bring 'em by when times are slow.
They'll thank you, sir, an when they are grown
And they'll bring children of their own
Down to the barber pole."

   CHORUS

The barber chuckled when he thought
How he'd filled the slow times in his shop
And charged a quarter where a dime would do
And poor old Flanagan hadn't a clue
A fool and his money -- they never last
Why, the yokel smiled when he got the shaft
Down by the barber pole.
In a shady grove, 'bout a mile from town
Sits the barber's house with the shades pulled down.
The barber's wife answers the door
There stands Flanagan back for more
With a wily grin--he bought some time
Seven little relatives standin' in line
Down by the barber pole.

   CHORUS