Sixteen Tomes

Words: Rhodri James
Music: "Sixteen Tons" (Tenessee Ernie Ford)

This song is also available in "On Filkey Moor", available from all good filk stockists.


        I got up one morning when the sun didn't shine,
        I went to the market and I took my time,
        I bought sixteen tomes, and all pretty old
        And the stall-boss said "Well bless my soul!"

        Chorus:	I bought sixteen tomes, what did I get?
	        A thousand more pages and deeper in debt!
        	Worldcon don't you call me,  'cos I can't go;
	        I owe my soul to the second-hand stall.


        Some people say a fan should be good
        But I'm only made out of flesh and blood,
        Flesh and blood and skin and bones,
        And my will is weak and my shelves are long

	        I bought...


        I got up one morning in the drizzle and rain,
        Lugging those books was a real pain.
        I got to the crossing and my carrier burst --
        If you think that's bad, it sure ain't the worst!

        	I bought...

        If you see me coming better step aside,
        I'm really quite mad 'cos of what I buyed; [*]
        Got a bad full of Heinlein and Jerry Pournelle
        And if the Doc Smith don't get you then the Donaldson will!

	        I bought...


[*] Yes, I know, I'm sorry.