18th April 2021
A few days ago I wrote a song about a smuggler who was born in Beer, South East Devon, called Jack Rattenbury. I am now trying to concentrate on writing songs with a Devon theme. For the time being I have parked my comedy album idea despite having written enough songs for it. Later this year I am also hoping to release another album of songs that I have recorded with Phil Swann and Martyn Hillstead. The only thing that is left to complete this is the album the artwork and the addition of some vocals to a few of the songs.
Jack Rattenbury
Jack Rattenbury the smuggler
Was born in the village of Beer
Where his family lived in poverty
With no comfort throughout the year
Jack Rattenbury the smuggler
Was born in the village of Beer
His father was pressganged
And was never seen again
Jack was the oldest child
And sought work with the fishermen
Jack became a smuggler
All around the coast of beer
Chased by custom officials
Of the risks he had no fear
Jack became a smuggler
All around the coast of beer
He was a local hero
Giving money to the poor
With lots of trusted friends
To protect him from the law
His memoirs were published
In eighteen thirty seven
And I wonder if Jack
Is a smuggler up in heaven
I do wonder if Jack
Is a smuggler up in heaven
Jack became a smuggler
All around the coast of beer
Chased by custom officials
Of the risks he had no fear
Jack became a smuggler
All around the coast of beer
He was a local hero
Giving money to the poor
With lots of trusted friends
To protect him from the law
Lots of trusted friends
To protect him from the law