NEW  ZEALAND
FO LK * SONG

The Close Shave
Traditional Irish/Bob Bickerton, 1999

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A gold miner is gypped by a beautiful young "woman."
This adds a new twist to the song Barrack Street,
about a sailor being tricked in similar circumstances.

Come gather round you diggers who work the goldfields rare,
It's of a trick was played on me which caused me to despair,
I came to town the other day me precious gold to trade,
'Twas there I met a pretty maid, who did my heart betray.

Her lips were red as roses, her eyes a deep sky blue,
Her hair as yellow as the gold, she stole from me and you.

We went into a public house and there we did imbibe,
In whiskey and strong porter, and dreadful stuff besides,
It's then she asked me up to bed, to which I did agree,
But truth to tell I fell asleep, before she earned her fee.

When I awoke next morning, no trousers could I find,
But scattered all around the room were women's clothes so fine.
My jacket, shoes and gold had gone, and all that's left behind,
Is a woman's dress, a yellow wig and a shaving kit, not mine.

Why did she need the wig? Why did she need to shave?
It's then the truth it struck me, in a fit of blinding rage.
My pretty maid's a man I cried, be thanks I fell asleep,
I'd rather lose a bag of gold, than wake up with that creep.

To venture in the street again, I cautiously inclined,
I had a shave, put on the wig, and wore the dress so fine,
And as I walked along the street, a digger gave a wink.
I thought of all the gold he had, and offered him a drink.

Now you may think it sinful, oh you may think it bold,
To take advantage of the lads who struggle for the gold.
It's easy putting on a dress and drinking whiskey neat,
But leave your shaving kit behind when they are fast asleep.



Tuning and Chords for The Close Shave

Gren Bartley gives the tuning and picking for the very similar "Barrack Street" here.

 

The Close Shave on Record

2001, Bob Bickerton, Island Mist, CD

2006, Molly's Revenge, Raise The Rafters, CD

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This webpage put on the NZ Folksong website Jan 2010

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