OCTOBER 29 - VIV STANSHALL

Hello there!

Today, I'm just posting a little something new - the lyrics to an obscure song (and rare to find), by my hero Vivian Stanshall. Most people probably only know him for his days with the Bonzo Dog Band in the 1960s, but he was so much more. A song-writer, singer, multi-instrumentalist, playwright, poet, author, comedian and performer. He is, to me, one of the greatest Englishmen to have ever lived. He died on March 5th 1995. He'd fallen asleep, dropped his cigarette into his beard, and then asphixiated before the house burnt down around him. I can't attach the file, I'm afraid, but I did try!

Vivian Stanshall was a brilliant talent, but was never prolific in his public output, as he suffered from depression. His depression was heightened by his love of drink, and the anti-depressant drugs that were prescribed to him - the mixture of pills and booze did not mix well. By all accounts he was impossible to work with, and tormented by his inner-demons on his bad days.

Apologies to Ki Longfellow-Stanshall if I've used a private picture here - I'll be in touch soon to see whether it's OK to keep this one here. ( http://gingergeezer.net )

I think Vivian Stanshall captures, perfectly, how depression can be, in this song. As far as I know, it was never published.

the Future.

If I had the confidence,

The courage or the common-sense,

The hutzpah or some happiness,

Then I could face the future.

If I could find a kindred spirit,

Wouldn't mind a friend to share it,

I'm the thing with feathers

That perches in the soul.

All that's second best in me

Is crying out for sympathy,

A nagging insecurity

Is begging me - don't try.

If there were an easier way,

A magic I could try,

Or someone else to do this thing for me,

Then fear must say its prayers...

Tonight.