Help: The Parson's Idol

Subject: Help: The Parson's Idol
From: Chris/Darwin
Date: 13 Feb 00 - 06:49 AM

An Irish friend found a song in the desk of his deceased Father-in-Law, and has been trying to find a tune for it, as well as some background. The song is rather anti-church. The chorus goes like this:

"Money oh money thy praises I sing
For thou art my saviour my God and my King
Tis for Thee that I preach and for Thee that I pray
And make a collection twice each Sabbath Day"

Any help would be appreciated.

Regards
Chris

Subject: RE: Help: The Parson's Idol
From: wildlone
Date: 13 Feb 00 - 11:56 AM

Looks good, any chance of posting the rest of the words.
dave

Subject: RE: Help: The Parson's Idol
From: Chris/Darwin
Date: 14 Feb 00 - 07:15 AM

Dave

As I said, it is pretty anti-church, but here goes:

I have candles and all sorts of dressings to buy
For I wish you to know that my church is called high
I don't mean in structure or steeple or wall
But so high the poor people can't reach it at all

There are those in my parish that need some relief
I preach to their poverty and pray for their grief
I send my box round to them morning and night
And I'll even take the poor widow's mite

I gather my knowledge from wisdom's great tree
The whole of my trinity is L, S and D
Pounds, shillings and pence are all that I crave
From your first day on earth to the brink of your grave

Money's my creed and I'll not live without it
My heaven is closed against all those that doubt it
For this is the essence of parson's religion
Come regular to church and be plucked like a pidgeon

My pay may be hundreds and thousands a year
Double it, treble it, still I am here
With my box and my bags collecting your brass
I can't do like Jesus did, ride on an ass

I have carriages and horses and servants and all
I'm not going to foot it like Peter and Paul
Neither like John live on locusts and honey
So out with your purses and down with your money

Fools sometimes ask what I do with this money
They might as well ask what the bees do with honey
I answer them all with a wink and a nod
I keep three thirds meself and give praises to God

In the cold silent earth I may soon be laid low
To sleep with the blessed that went long ago
I shall slumber in peace till the great resurrection
Then be first on me feet to make a collection

If no-one knows it we could have a competition for the best tune? How about it?

Regards
Chris