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Johnnie Armstrong Blues

from Blue Scotland Navy by eddie cairney

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lyrics

Johnnie Armstrong Blues

Verse 1
Johnnie was a rogue and a reiver
And Armstrong was his name
He would look ye in the eye asif there’s nothin’ wrang”
Though the black rent was his game

Verse 2
Frae the Tyne ‘cross tae Gilnockie
Everyone was on his books
He would tell the honest folks I’ll protect ye life an’ limb
‘Cause the world is full o’ crooks

Chorus
Johnny was a well dressed insurance man
Selling products to the nervous
With a well established business giving peace of mind
His card read “Johnnie Armstrong at your service”

Verse 3
Now Johnnie was the best dressed man in town
His dress sense never let him down
Someone told James up in Edinburgh town
The grave news made the wee man frown

Verse 4
King James thought he was a snappy dresser
In truth he was a scruffy little man
When news came through about Johnny’s style
Well it didn’t make the king a fan

Chorus

Verse 5
King James was a sly little trite
He didn’t do things as honest as he might
He invited Johnnie to a day away
He said “I’ve organised a hunting party”

Verse 6
He said Johnnie bring your friends and you’ll be safe
Just come as you are don’t even have to shave
He said we’ll have a good time and we’ll all behave
But he didn’t tell Johnnie he was digging his grave

Chorus

Verse 7
Now Johnnie showed up and he was dressed in style
We Jimmy grabbed the lot o’ them and put them on trial
He said I find you guilty don’t appeal you’ve no hope
You’ve been convicted of crimes against the king’s wardrobe

Verse 8
They were all strung up on the trees outside
Johnnie said oh flip we’ve been taken for a ride
King James wandered back to Edinburgh town
Where he continued the practice of dressing down

Bridge
Johnnie Armstrong was wranged
On the day that he was hanged
T’was a sad day for the Borders
When the King gave out his orders
Fashion stopped and went away,
Garb went downhill and turned to grey
But every dog must have his day,
And wee Jimmy got his from Solway

Chorus

credits

from Blue Scotland Navy, released October 19, 2015

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eddie cairney Scotland, UK

Eddie Cairney is one of the country's most prolific songwriters and Scotland's best kept songwriting secret with 99 albums to date and another 100 plus in the pipeline. He has written new music to almost all of Robert Burns works totalling over 900 new songs. He writes in a great many genres, from folk to orchestral. He is also one of Scotland's most accomplished rock/blues piano players. ... more

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