Elvis Costello - The Great Unknown lyrics

They took old Danny Boy for a ride

From the arms of his bride to be

Threw him into the murky waters

By the dog biscuit factory

Quick dry the tears and stifle cheers

As he sinks just like a stone

Footprints set in sentimental cement

Now burden down his bones

Lest we forget

Here lies the Great unknown

My my my Delilah

Who's the butcher that you harbour

Take the rich man to the cleaners

And the strong man to the barber

From her face down to her torso

Sort of gruesome only more so

Hooks and eyes, fingers and thumbs

Ladies and gentlemen here she comes

The Great unknown

Where shall we sing

At a wedding or a wake

Whose name shall we cherish

And for whose sake

Now this year's cannon fodder

Tell the future general's jokes

They were keeping the home fires burning

As we slipped out for a smoke

Though the VIP's sang "Wooden Heart"

The band played "Hearts of Oak"

(Chorus)

And here comes the day I shall perish all alone

Say here lies the Great unknown