Tom Paxton Bishop Cody's Last Request
Bishop Cody's last request was wired across the sea.
Find my wandering brother boys, and bring him home to me.
I knew him as an infant, as a meek and trusting child,
But lately I've had sad reports that my brother is running wild.
Oh bring my brother home to me.
With my own eyes I've got to see,
Just what he's into.
Bishop Cody's last request received especial care.
The trail said California and they found his brother there.
They found him in an alley, in a sea of broken glass.
They plucked him from the traffic of the hustlers tripping past
Oh sir you're brother's eyes are dim
We've come to take you home to him
He needs to see you.
Bishop Cody's last request was told in great detail.
The messengers were desperate men, They had not come to fail.
They pressed their case with fervor. Their urgency was clear.
But Bishop Cody's brother smiled and did not seem to hear.
Oh, give the Bishop my regards.
Thanks for all the birthday cards.
He never failed me.
Bishop Cody's messengers were left with no recourse.
The situation plainly called for a little use of force.
They grabbed him by the shoulder, but the shoulder slipped away.
As he vanished down the alley they could hear the brother say,
Oh, give the Bishop my regards.
Thanks for all the birthday cards.
He never failed me.
Bishop Cody's message was broadcast thru the town,
And Bishop Cody's brother was quite often seen around.
The messengers were frantic, quite efficient and discreet,
But their manner proved distracted when they saw him on the street.
Oh, sir you have to go.
Oh sir at least you owe,
An explanation.
Bishop Cody's last request was finally denied.
As his spirit left his body someone heard, "My hands are tied."
The word went down the alley, that the Bishop was at rest,
And someone opened up a bar called The Bishop's Last Request.
His brother told the priest,
The bishop rests in peace.
He never failed me.
His brother told the priest,
The bishop rests in peace.
He never failed me.
