Bert Biscoe’s tribute to John Cockle of Truro.

General Cockle’s Song

Click above to listen

 

Johnny Cockle was a Sally Army man!

All his days the trumpet blew,

Before the mast, and shouldering coals,

And speaking out to rile the few:

 

He’d spread a blanket, a pure honey voice

Across the waves over listening shores –

His ensign flicked, slapping its pole

He’d rap his stick on Trelander doors –

 

Old Johnny set his final sail

By St John’s sullen step,

On the Quay, Goodnight Ladies

Merrily merrily along…..

 

And laughter flooding airy ether,

And waves, and gulls,

And all of Trurra echoing

General Cockle’s song.

 

In the Council circle old Cockle stood

To speak his piece, to make a little sport,

To call his town away from itself, away

From small-change stores back to the port –

 

 Old Johnny set his final sail

By St John’s sullen step,

On the Quay, Goodnight Ladies

Merrily merrily along…..

 

Goodnight Ladies, Goodnight Ladies, Goodnight Ladies,

We’re goin’ t’ leave you now

Merrily we roll along, roll along, roll along

Merrily we roll along, over the deep blue sea

 

Sweet dreams Ladies, Sweet dreams Ladies, Sweet dreams Ladies,

We’re goin’ t’ leave you now

Merrily we roll along, roll along, roll along

Merrily we roll along, over the deep blue sea

 

Johnny Cockle was a Sally Army man!

All his days the trumpet blew