NEEDLE AND THREAD (Henry Clements)

TB: voice, duet concertina. Henry sang this when Napper and I visited the Wiltshire Traditions club in Devizes. I don’t sing this live - I simply can’t.

I’m thinking of your mother, Jack, as she patched your dungarees

She said you were a terror, Jack, forever climbing trees

The bumps and scrapes and bruises, Jack, she’d ease your cares away

She’d patch you and your trousers, Jack, and wave you out to play

I’m thinking of your mother, Jack, as your blazer badge she sewed

You’d passed to go to Grammar, Jack, what pride your mother showed

But the uniform was costly, Jack, came with such sacrifice

But she dressed you up so smartly, Jack, wouldn't have it otherwise

I’m thinking of your mother, Jack, machining gloves for pence

Her fingers worn to leather, Jack, that you might have a chance

She toiled that you might study, Jack, she sewed that you might reap

And if she seems old already, Jack, she’s given you her sleep.

I’m thinking of your mother, Jack, as she polishes your shoes

She’s pressed the suit she gave you jack, for important interviews

She said it didn't;t matter, Jack, when there were no jobs to be found

Things would soon get better, Jack, but you couldn’t hang around

I’m thinking of your mother, Jack, the day that you left home

You’d signed to be a soldier, Jack, though to her you’re hardly grown

And she’s written you such letters, Jack, though she had no news at all

She was knitting you a sweater, Jack, when the Captain came to call

I’m thinking of your mother, Jack, as she polishes your shoes

She’s pressed the suit she gave you jack, for important interviews

Too many bumps and bruises, Jack, and no more trees to climb

I’m thinking of your mother, Jack, she’s dressed you one last time

Recorded on Mixed Moss