Jake the Jackdaw Lyrics

Jake the Jackdaw (clip)

G - D - C - G - Am - G - Am - D
G - D - C - G - Am - G - D7 - G

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1. Jackdaws like shiny things, silver paper, golden rings,

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these are the sort of things that catch Jake's blue eyes.

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But when he makes a nest, he always makes a mess,

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he can't find half his things, no matter how he tries.

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2. Teaspoons and biscuit tins, bottle tops and safety pins,

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mixed in a messy heap, oh, what can be found ?
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One day it's all too much, makes Jake's whole nest collapse,

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then all his precious things go clatter to the ground.

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3. Now here's his chance at last to search for the things he lost,

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picking and pecking through his treasures displayed.

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But they don't look so bright as they did at first sight,
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they are all tarnished now, for glitter soon does fade.

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4. Rusty old biscuit tins, greenish brass and grimy rings,

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these things no longer look so sparkling and fine.

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Poor Jake, he learnt that day, bright things don't stay that way,

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they must be dusted off and polished till they shine.

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(orig. = capo 2nd) (Ralph McTell)