Old man Kensey
Wants to be a sign painter
First, he's got to learn to read
He's going to be a clown on TV
Flexes his elbow, taut and free
(That's my folly) I believe

Drink up the lake
Kensey's awake
(If that's my folly)
That's my mistake

Old man Kensey
Wants to be a goalie
First, he's got to learn to count
He's going to be a clown on a circus mount
Letters to me signed in sopped up tar
(That's my folly) Kensey's going far

John, Bill and Ed
Stand on your head
(If that's my folly)
I'm ready to go

Old man Kensey
Wants to be a dog catcher
First, he's got to learn to stand
He's gonna be a clown in a marching band
Letters to me signed, ransom, greed
(If that's my folly) I believe

Drink up the lake
John, Bill and Ed
(If that's my folly)
That's my mistake
Kensey's awake
Stand on your head
(If that's my folly)
I'm ready to go

Drink up the lake
Stand on your head
(If that's my folly)
I'm ready to go


Lyrics submitted by rieve

Old Man Kensey Lyrics as written by Bill Berry Jerry Ayers

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

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Old Man Kensey song meanings
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    General Comment

    In 1984 Kensey was a real person who helped the Reverend Howard Finster in Summerville, Georgia (Finster was the cover artist for "Reckoning"). Stipe heard various stories about his odd behaviour, such as kidnapping dogs and holding them for ransom ("wants to be a dog catcher"), and lying in a coffin and then jumping out to scare people.

    Stipe used Kensey to create a tale about an eccentric old man who has crazy ideas.

    darlomundayon June 27, 2009   Link

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