CYRIL SAID IT ALL BEFORE
(Tom Lewis)
You think life in the Navy's like a prisoner doing time
And working in a submarine's like being down a mine
You joined this mob to go to sea then for the shore you pine
I'm sure that no one's ever had a feeling just like mine
Then you listen to the words in Grey Funnel Line
And Cyril said it all before
Now I sailed east of Suez, went up to Malta's golden strand
I marched the streets of Singapore behind a boot necked band
I smoked my fellow's fags and complained about the brand
Pompey Lil once said she would take me to the promised land
And Cyril said it all before
I know it's true in every port we're sure to have a dame
And chasing skirt in guz or pub is just part of the game
Then you meet your one true love, you offer her your name
But she make's a fool of you, she turns your love to shame
Sally Free and Easy, yes that should be her name
And Cyril said it all before
If things don't change they'll stay the same was on the dockyard wall
But now I'm older I've found out it's not like that at all
The more things change, the more they stay the same should be the call
I still salute officers, the mighty never fall
But you can still get hot dogs from the Oggie Man's old stall
And Cyril said it all before
A lean and unwashed tippy at the age of 39
I'm nearly in the sidings now, I've almost done my time
And Five Foot Flirt's don't come my way, or if they do I fail
I never did find Sammy's Bar, it was my holy grail
It's time for me to say goodbye to Diesel and to Shale
But Cyril said it all before
Cyril Tawney is a prolific writer of sea songs
I only recognize 6 of his. Can you find more?
Written by Tom Lewis and recorded by him