I am just a humble man

Trying to make his way

But storm clouds are gathering

I can no longer stay

The Butcher’s Guild has cast me out

and sent me on my way

Cast out inside the pouring rain

They cast me in the role of upstart

And in the role of spy

They cast me in the role of traitor

Please don’t ask me why

As I look up and ponder

Beneath an open sky

Cast out inside the pouring rain

So I said a sad farewell

To the man who took me in

And left behind the wife I love

It really is a sin

But I feel this situation

Is one I just can’t win

Cast out inside the pouring rain

They cast me in the role of leper

It really isn’t fair

They cast me in the role of scoundrel

As they fixed me with their glare

Then cast their votes to cast me out

And left me in despair

Cast out inside the pouring rain

So I put my best foot forward 

And take up a little ditty

And without a backward glance

Turn my back upon this city

I’ve really grown to love this place

It really is a pity

Cast out inside the pouring rain

They cast me to the four winds

Like a leaf caught on the breeze

In the hope that I would float away

Over rivers, hills and trees

Never to return

Until all Hell can freeze

Cast out inside the pouring rain

I feel abandoned and rejected

As I go on my way

I resolve to turn things ’round

I will have my day

But for now the bells are silent

There’s nothing left to say

Cast out inside the pouring rain

Maybe they’ll cast me in marble

A statue or a bust

Or more likely my memory

Will just fade into dust

But whatever happens

This fate seems so unjust

Cast outside inside the pouring rain

(Gary Miller)

© 2019 Whippet Records

Copyright Control MCPS/PRS

This song was commissioned and specially-written for the upcoming project 'The Butcher Baronet', in collaboration with Lone Pine Pictures, about the 17th Century Durham City historical figure John Duck.

Other songs and tunes from this project include : -

'The Beer Token'

'Behind the Wall'

'The Butcher Baronet'

'Ca' Hawkie'

'City of Dreams'

'Cloak and Hood'

'Duck's Overture'

'Dunholm'

'Elementary (Turn, Turn Again)'

'Flesh and Bone'

'Fortune Weaver'

'Go Away!'

'Golden Journey: Through Air / Over Water / To Earth / On Fire'

'Here's to You, John Duck!'

'Hold on'

'John's Jacobus (Inscription)'

'Merrily Danced The Butcher's Wife'

'My Butcher Boy'

'Now I Dream'

'Old Duck's Main'

'Old Duck's Rant'

'Rolling on (A Hymn for John and Ann)'

'Shiny Thing'

'Top of the Hill'

'We Don't Talk About Him 'Round Here'