Andy Irvine - The Close Shave video free download

Andy Irvine in the Quellencafe of the Wandelhalle in Bad

Wildungen, Germany, November 13, 2008.

This is Bob Bickertons version of the Irish traditional song known as "Patrick Street" (or "Peter Street", "Barrack Street"...). He gave this version to Andy while they met in New Zealand.

The Close Shave

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 my hard earned 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.

She took me to 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 me 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 face that dirty 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 road, a digger gave a wink.

I thought of all the gold he had, so I offered him a drink.

Now you might think it sinful, oh you might 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.