R.E.M. – Old Man Kensey

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Old Man Kensey wants to be a sign painter
First he's got to learn to read
He's gonna be a clown on TV.
Flags at his elbow time to breath
(That's my folly) I believe

Drink up the lake Kensey's away
(That's my folly) That's my mistake

Old Man Kensey wants to be a goalie
First he's got to learn to count
He's gonna be a clown on a circus mount
Letters to me signed in sopped up tar
(That's my folly) Kensey's going far

John, Bill and Ted, stand on your head
(That's my folly) I'm ready to go

Old Man Kensey wants to be a dog catcher
First he's got to learn to stand
He's gonna be a clown in a marching band
Letters to me signed ransom greed
(That's my folly) I believe

Drink up the lake, John, Bill and Ted,
(That's my folly) That's my mistake
Kensey's away, stand on your head
(That's my folly) I'm ready to go

Send "Old Man Kensey" Ringtone to Cell


Lyrics submitted by rieve

Track duration: 04:09

"Old Man Kensey" as written by Michael E./berry Mills

Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics powered by LyricFind


Old Man Kensey song meanings
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2 Comments

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  • 0
    General Comment:In 1984 Kensey was a real person who helped the Reverend Howard Finster in Summerville, Georgia (Finster was the cover artist for "Reckoning"). Stipe heard various stories about his odd behaviour, such as kidnapping dogs and holding them for ransom ("wants to be a dog catcher"), and lying in a coffin and then jumping out to scare people.

    Stipe used Kensey to create a tale about an eccentric old man who has crazy ideas.
    Flag darlomundayon June 27, 2009   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:old man Kensey was supposedly an old man who a lot of people talked about. It was said he would take people's dogs and hold them for ransom.
    Flag phoenixgsuon March 06, 2008   Link

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