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The Tarn Machine (2015) [includes video​-​stream access to the album performed live]

by The Bar-Steward Sons of Val Doonican

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1.
She’s From Dodworth Lyrics: Prof. Chris Sammon / Scott Doonican   She's from Dodworth, thinks she’s looking good  Her Sanskrit tattoos are misunderstood  Wears an Oompa Loompa fake tan when she’s on the lash  While a carefully-placed vagazzle hides her shaving rash  Wears a onesie to her local pub at half past 8  And anyone who looks at her she wants to feight  She’s had 20 halves of cider, she’s a total wreck  She tumbles off her stool and nearly breaks her neck  She also nicks consumer products from the Tarn  An i-phone 6, an e-cig and a dressing gown  Judge Rinder stopped her claim against the Aldi there  ‘cos the cucumber she took back  looked quite worse for wear
2.
Big Coffee Brand Lyrics: Björn Doonicansson / Scott Doonican / Amanda White   I went into Tarn with me missus  All the shops she did drag me ararnd  And after she’d spent nearly all of me cash  She war feeling a little run darn  She said to me “I need a cuppa  Let's go to that shop across t’road”  And when I did turn and did see that place  I thought “Oh, bloody hell, here we go…”  I tried to play stupid and silent  But ‘ar lass was the one in command  And it’s hard to keep your composure  When you go in that Big Coffee Brand  We ventured inside that establishment  And I just could not believe me eyes  It was rammed to the rafters with hipsters  Great big beards upon every guy  And then I perused the menu  There was nowt there that looked like a beer  I mean, what the chuff’s a Cortado?  I thought Clarkson drove one on Top Gear  More sneaky than Somali Pirates  ‘cos they’d rob you while you’re on dry land  And it’s hard to keep your composure  When you go in that Big Coffee Brand  The spotty faced oik behind t’counter  Was glaring at me so bemused  ‘cos for him it war easy to understand  But I hadn’t got a chuffin’ clue  The front of the queue, it loomed nearer  With no paddle, I was up shit creek  ‘cos the prices were tekkin’ the biscuit  And the biscuits were not chuffin’ cheap  I tried not to resort to violence  While I stood with me head in me hands  ‘cos it’s hard to keep your composure  When you go in that Big Coffee Brand  I attempted to order me hot drink  But it all went so wrong so fast  ‘cos before I’d finished me sentence  He’d robbed me of all of me cash  And the coffee cost seven pound eighty  I thought he was havin’ a laugh  Then he asked me “Do you want a loyalty card?”  I said “Dun't bother, pal, I’m not comin’ back!”  I could have incited a riot  I’d had as much as I could stand  It’s so hard to keep your composure  When you go in that Big Coffee Brand  So having completed my order  I decided to write down this tune  So you’ll know now why they call it Costa  ‘cos it’ll cost you a chuffin’ fortune!  ‘cos I needed more cash than Neil Diamond  ‘cos the prices were just out of hand  If there’s owt that you've learned, Or you're feeling concerned  Don’t go near that Big Coffee Brand!
3.
Double Oven 03:36
Double Oven Lyrics: Scott Doonican / Amanda White   ‘Ar lass had nothing but bad luck  Anytime that she attempted to bake  The smoke alarm would often tell me  She may have made a ‘little’ mistake  She’d bring her goods to the table  Her buns cremated and black  And look at me with expectant eyes  While I wished she’d take the buggers back  She wants a double oven, the Bake-Off’s on her mind  Wants one with lots of buttons, fan-operated  “Get me a double oven, the Mary Berry kind  And nice new oven gloves So you can rest your worried mind”  She tried the technical challenge  But she couldn’t work the microwave  They came out salty and savoury  But that isn’t how meringues should behave  I ate the portion she offered me  It was all mangled and mauled  She looked all startled and horrified  As I spat it up against the wall  She wants a double oven, has baking on her mind  Going mad with chocolate buttons, she’s fond of fondue  She cracks eggs by the dozen, until it’s all combined  Beware her soggy bottom Be sure to take it out on time  The double oven arrived on Friday  The model she had been longing for  The missus gave me a furtive wink  And my temperature started to soar  She promised me something saucy  I’d hoped it would be obscene  She said “It’s all in the wrist action”  But then she walked in with nouvelle cuisine  She’s got a double oven, the Bake-Off’s on her mind  Got one with lots of buttons, fan-operated  She’s got a double oven, the Mary Berry kind  And nice new oven gloves so she’s chuffed to pieces  She’s got buns in the oven, éclairs and florentines  Baps and tarts by the dozen, check out that muffin  She could stop but she doesn’t, she’s working overtime  There’s no more kitchen nightmares A master baker in her prime
4.
Friday I’m In t’Pub Lyrics: Scott Doonican / Amanda White   I can’t wait till Monday’s through  Tuesday’s shite and Wednesday’s too  Thursday: 9 till 5 can screw!  It’s Friday, I’m in t’pub  Monday mornings crush my soul  Tuesday, Wednesday no rock n roll  Thursdays: time to take control  ‘cos it’s Friday: time for t’pub  Saturday’s great, but on Sunday you can’t stop out late  On Friday nights, I’m with me mates  The weekend’s ovver, Monday’s back  Tuesday, Wednesday same old cack  Thursday’s soul like coal is black  But by Friday I'm in t’pub  Monday messes with me head  Tuesdays, Wednesdays I see red  On Thursday I know what’s ahead  It’s Friday and I’m in t’pub  Saturday’s great, but Sundays I would underrate  One of five nights I love to hate  A word to the wise, it’s no great surprise  To find that perfection is pint sized  Going out rarnd Tarn without a care or a frown  Line ‘em up and then neck ‘em down  And yer future looks bright, it could never be shite  To wash out the week, with a well earned pint  You can never sup enough, enough of this stuff  It’s Friday! I'm in t’pub  I don’t care for Monday morn  Tuesday, Wednesday feel forlorn  I’m taking Thursday by the horns  On Friday, darn to t’pub  Monday you can bugger off  Tuesdays, Wednesdays, write ‘em off  Thursday’s just not good enough  ‘cos on Friday I'm in t’pub
5.
Move Yer Knackered Lyrics: Scott Doonican / Amanda White / Andy Doonican   You just sit on your arse, morning, noon, night  Straining your heart with each big bite  Taking pizza away won’t make it OK  Considering how much you weigh  Got the remote control - Mam’s your waiter  You claim you’re big boned to the haters  And you say “I’m a kid”, but your tekkin’ the piss  ‘cos you won’t run for shit  Milkshake in one hand playing X-Box  At eight years old it’s criminal that  If you move you’re knackered  You go to move you’re knackered  You only look across the room Towards the door and you’re shattered  Scoffing trays of jam-filled donuts  Eat crisps from the folds in your gut  You can’t move, you’re knackered  And if you moved you’d stagger  And you’re just laid there watching Star Wars But you look like Jabba  Go to school in the car, forget walking  To the end of the street, must be joking  Because you have a date with your breakfast at eight  You’ve got enough on your plate  So dieting’s tough; Atkins feels like  There’s just not enough, salad tastes shite  Dr Gillian McKeith, says you beggar belief  Even your arsehole’s got teeth  So get on your feet…  Your PE teachers know your scam  Every week you bring a note from yer mam  ‘cos when you move you’re knackered  Don’t give me looks like daggers  Forget the pie and peas, swap it for low-fat cheese ‘n’ crackers  Fitness classes won’t enroll you  You’re the poster boy for Gregg’s sausage rolls  That stomach won’t get flatter  ‘cos when you move you’re knackered  And you just dream of Crispy Creams and Mars Bars fried in batter  Enough’s enough, I’ll go the extra mile  Gonna take control, change my whole lifestyle  And it’s no big secret, that I’m trying to beat it Run, rest, repeat it  So just like Rocky, I’m gonna fly  Cutting out the Twix’s, cutting out the Sprite  Lifting kettle-bells, well it hurt’s like hell But I feel compelled, ‘cos now I roll like this…  Cutting out the snacks and sweeties  Avoiding Type 2 diabetes  I’d gone from flab to flabber, but now I move like Jagger  And now I’m working up a sweat as I move up the ladder  You may think drinking eggs is silly  But nowadays I can see my willy  I don’t feel half as shattered  My BMI’s been battered  Given a choice of sweets or salad now I’d choose the latter
6.
Massage In A Brothel Lyrics: Scott Doonican   Lost in Amsterdam, so drunk that I can’t see, oh  And I can’t find me mates, there’s no-one left but me, oh  And on those cobbled streets, I slipped and put me back out  And I could hardly move, all I could was shout-out  A lass walked up to me, she was ever so polite  She said “My name’s Roxanne”, under crimson neon lights  She helped me to my feet, and walked me up some stairs  To a small red apartment, it was then that I got scared  I’d send an SMS to me bird But I know that she’ll go completely berserk  I know I’ve really cocked up I never meant to end up  Or even planned to get a massage in a brothel  I woke face down, I got up to get my coat  I knew by then it was time to depart  But she blocked the door, she was all dressed in leather  With a gimp mask and a riding crop, she’d break more than my heart  I’d send an SMS to me bird But I know she’ll go completely berserk  I know Roxanne did not stop, and I could hardly stand up  Me back felt worse after that massage in a brothel  Woke up next morning, I don’t believe what I saw  Whips and chains and rubber objects scattered round the floor  It was then I screamed at the top of me lungs  As she gave me lacerations right across me plums  I’d send an SMS to me bird But with me hands in chains it won’t work  I didn’t need a close-up, I know I nearly threw up  I never thought it would get messy in that brothel  Sendin’ out an SOS, rather than an SMS  I need some time to convalesce After all of this undue stress  I’d send an SMS to me bird But I know that she’d go completely berserk  I’m looking pretty messed up She’ll say you better grow up  And to think it started with a massage in a brothel
7.
Frisky In The Jar Lyrics: Scott Doonican / Amanda White   Me and me missus went to The Jessop Wing in Sheffield  Signed-up for a course of IVF, But we found it was a minefield  They first produced a fountain pen And we signed a pile of paper  But I hadn’t got a chuffing clue What they had in store for me there They took us to a tiny room And said they needed samples  Two vials of blood from her right arm, But from ME they took an armful  Three nurses had to hold me down, And they ruffled up me tanktop  And they left me with an empty arm, A cuppa and a Hob Nob!  Muttering “Ooh you’ve buggered me arm”  We only came for embryos  Not for pain and a tale of woe  I’ve no strength to lift me fire hose  They gave me a small plastic jar, And then they took the biscuit  And sent me to another room, With very little in it  A drawer with sticky magazines And the TV muted silent  And a DVD in black & white, Titled ‘Shaving Ryan’s Privates’.  No way would I be sitting, In the wipe-clean leather armchair  Lord only knows, how many blokes, Had shot their pistols sat there So there I stood, with task in hand, Struggling with me software  Tried shooting straight into the tiny jar, But it was a chuffing nightmare  Juggling a lad-mag and me jar  I’m whackin’ on me-laddio  It’s hard to act like Romeo  Getting frisky in a jar-o  I had bragged about a bucketful But I struggled with a thimble  Now I’m not ambidextrous And it’s clear that I’m not nimble  And where were all the nurses, Their help would have been super  But here I am on the NHS, Christ I should’ve gone with BUPA  Struggling just to fill up me jar  Not the best scenario  I’ve got cramp but no ‘get up and go’  Getting frisky in the jar-o  Now it hurts when I play me guitar  Like a limp lothario  I can’t come or get me cock to crow  Not so frisky in the jar
8.
You’re So Vain Lyrics: Scott Doonican / Björn Doonicansson   You walked into the party like everyone’s worst nightmare  Like a fart inside a spacesuit, you were clearly unwelcome there  You were showing off your extension rod  And its telescopic end  And all the girls thought that you were a muppet  Wondering where they could shove it, cos...  You’re so vain, you had to bring your chuffing selfie stick with you You’re a pain - I wouldn’t tire from using it just to clout you, Clout you, clout you  There have been times when I’ve told myself That maybe you’re just naive  But with your i-phone 6 and yer selfie stick, Sending pictures I don’t want to receive  The times I drove myself to drink, to block out what I saw  You sat on the lav, showing off your new phone-case  Pulling a duckface  You’re so vain and your toilet selfie doesn’t become you  You’re a pain - No-one wants to see your intimate tattoo, Just think it through  …Throwback Thursday arrives and you’re far from embarrassed  Of your snap with Rolf Harris, and…  You’re so vain, you had to bring a bloody selfie stick with you  My disdain is something I saved specially for you, And your phone too  When I heard your auntie Ethel died, I was saddened to the core  Our hearts were with your family, she was a lady who was adored Stood solemnly at the funeral, but clearly you couldn’t wait  There with the corpse and a friend of the vicar  Clicking your clicker  You’re insane - Even with a hashtag it’s far from touching  You’re deranged - You’ve a face I’d never tire from punching, Punching, punching  You’re so vain, you had to bring your chuffing selfie stick with you  You’re a pain - I wouldn’t tire from using it just to clout you, Clout you, clout you
9.
Since You’ve Been Ron Lyrics: Alan Doonican #2 / Scott Doonican / Amanda White   I get the same old dream, same time every night  Of you in that dress and make up  I still remember when you turned to me in bed and said  Your life needed a shake up  Six months of work in West Berlin  But now my her has changed to a him  Oh since you’ve been Ron, since you’ve been Ron  I’m struggling with the whole ‘man’ thing  It just seems so wrong, ‘cos since you’ve been Ron  Now you can wee while standing  I just can’t understand, why you want to be a man  Your curves were in the right places  Your chest is all hairy, But still the weirdest thing for me is  Beards on both of our faces  I used to love to watch you dance  But now I’m scared of what’s in your pants  Oh since you’ve been Ron, your voice has gone  All gravelly like Joe Cocker’s  I’m far from impressed, you swapped your bra for a vest  I preferred you when you had knockers  I’ll make a bob or two All your Jimmy Choo shoes are going on ebay…  Oh since you’ve been Ron, since you’ve been Ron  You’ve learnt how to leave pans soaking  Oh since you’ve been Ron, something’s gone wrong  I used to do all the poking    Ever since you’ve been Ron
10.
The Zipper 03:42
The Zipper Lyrics: Scott Doonican   I’ve lost the power to talk after what I’ve gone through  Though it’s hurting me, I want no-one to see  Feeling deeply scarred from torment I have been through  Words cannot convey the pain I feel today  The zipper caught me balls  You could hear me wailing through the walls  I screamed a hundred decibels, because it hurts like chuffing hell  I tried to stay calm, but the shock it was horrendous  Looking down on my mistake And my mangled trouser snake  I want to be free to let me dingles dangle  But how can I abandon ship, with me conkers in me zip?  Wish I’d been much more precise  I’ve tried to cool me plums with ice  But now I’ve got no tail to tell  Because me mojo’s trapped as well  The zipper trapped me balls  Yes I’m quite far from enthralled  Because this tragic injury  Has caused nowt but misery  I can hardly move, ‘cos it’s throbbing so bad  Frozen where I stand, it’s laid in tatters in my hand  I’ll say sorry in advance, to the paramedics  ‘cos I know how much I’ll shout When they pull the bugger out  The zipper caught me balls  Singing falsetto down the hall  Oh yes my strength was quickly sapped  When me space hoppers got trapped  And size it clearly matters not  Me chuffin’ zipper ate the lot
11.
Bono Bloody Bono Lyrics: Alan Doonican #2 / Scott Doonican   I can’t believe the news I’ve seen  The bike that you fell off got knighted by Queen  You’re one of Ireland’s favourite sons  But you would rather pay tax to the Netherlands  How long, how long must you sing your songs?  How long, how long?  Cause tonight, why can’t you just get stagefright?  D’you still want to run on unnamed streets?  When booking plane tickets, your hat gets its own seat!  And I can’t help but wonder why  You have to look like you’re Jeff Goldblum in the fly  Bono, Bloody Bono  Have you found what you’re looking for?  If not then dun’t wear sunglasses when you’re indoors  For Africa you made such fuss  Well tonight thank God that it was them instead of us  Bono, Bloody Bono  How long, how long must this song go on?  How long, how long?  ‘cos you’re shite… you’re Ireland’s new potato blight  Please just go away, just call it a day  Burn out and fade away (Bono, Bloody Bono)  D’ya know the way to San Jose? (Bono, Bloody Bono)  That’s not far enough away (Bono, Bloody Bono)  How about the Milky Way (Bono, Bloody Bono)  Bono, Bloody Bono (Bono, Bloody Bono)  Your sneaky iTunes giveaway  Can’t take The Edge off it, or make you go away  Removing it was such a farce  Why can’t you just remove your head from up your arse  You think that you’re the Lord of Rock  While the world looks on and thinks that you’re a… fool  Bono, Bloody Bono
12.
Mr Soundman 02:17
Mr Soundman Lyrics: Scott Doonican / Amanda White   Mr. Soundman, don’t have a fit  You have the power to make us sound shit  We’ll thank you when the show is over  Or at least we will if we are sober  Mr Soundman, please don’t get stressed  Our sound-check isn’t an intelligence test  Just show us that wonder stuff  Mr. Soundman, don’t be a chuff  Mr Soundman, let’s reconvene  I need more monitor for my tambourine  Ten DI’s and six miles of cable  And less accordion when you are able  Mr Soundman, don’t misbehave  My vocals sound just like I am in a cave  And please turn off that smoke machine  Where’s me band gone, they can’t be seen  Mr Soundman, don’t make us sound crap  Although we’re comedy we’re not Spin̈al Tap  And don’t get angry when Andy comes late  That’s no excuse to take an early lunch break  Mr Soundman, don’t make us sound shite  Just work yer magic, it’ll turn art alright  Make it sound great out the front  Mr Soundman, don’t be a wazzock
13.
The Devil Went Darn To Barnsley Lyrics: Scott Doonican   The Devil went darn to Barnsley Tarn  He war lookin’ for a soul to steal.  He war in a bind ‘cos he war way behind  And he war willin’ to mek a deal  When he came across this young ‘un  Laikin’ on t’fiddle and playin’ shit ‘ot.  And t’Devil jumped up like a big daft lump and said,  “Ey up, let me tell thee what.  I guess you didn’t know it, but I’m a fiddle player, too.  And if you’d care, to tek a dare, I’ll mek a bet with you.  Now, you play pretty good fiddle, lad, But I’m gunna mek thee see. I’ll bet a fiddle of gold against your soul,  ‘cos I think I’m better than thee.”  The lad said, “Me name’s Björn, and it might be a sin.  But I’ll take your bet, you big red get ‘cos I’m t’best that’s ever bin.” Björn you better get yer bow and play yer fiddle hard,  ‘cos hell’s brok loose in Barnsley Tarn And t’Devil deals the cards.  And if you win you get his shiny fiddle med of gold.  But if you lose, the devil gets yer soul.  The devil got his fiddle, and he said, “Reight, off we go!”  And fire flew from his fingertips And he put on quite a show  Then he brought in Graham from Saxon And Eliza Carthy as well  These stranger’s in t’night, they din’t sound shite  No they rocked like bloody Hell!  When the devil finished, Björn just said, “Thar pretty good, t’old lad,  But sit darn ovver theer for a bit And I’ll mek thee look reight bad!”  A Doonican from Sweden livin’ in t’Tarn  I show thee what’s the crack, I’m t’best ararnd  The Devil’s goin’ darn cos he’s Number One  Playing them hits with The Bar-Steward Sons  The devil bowed his head Because he knew that he’d bin beat.  And he laid that golden fiddle on t’ground at Björn’s feet  Björn said, “Devil, just come on back If thy ever wants to try ageeain.  ‘cos I told thee once, you big daft chuff, I’m the best that’s ever been.”  A Doonican from Sweden livin’ in t’Tarn  I show thee what’s the crack, I’m t’best ararnd  The Devil’s goin’ darn cos he’s Number One  Playing them hits with The Bar-Steward Sons
14.
Alan & The Robot (Hidden Track) Lyrics: Alan Doonican #2   Back in 1990, on a real downer after my bruising break up with Shaz, I really needed cheering up. It just so happened that at that point, as an avid reader of ‘Accordion World’ (subscription only - delivered in a brown envelope) I won the opportunity to visit the Hohner factory in Trossingen, Baden-Württemberg. Their idea was to invite young up-and-coming accordion aficionados who’d then go into the world and promote their models. I caught a plane from Leeds-Bradford to Stuttgart and was picked up at the airport.   They had a museum that had one of every accordion they’ve ever made. We spent a good few hours in there. Then we broke for lunch, and were served sauerkraut paninis, washed down with fizzy lager (didn’t agree with me).  After that, things got serious.   We were escorted into a high security area and were made to sign a confidentiality agreement. Then we were taken to a laboratory where we were introduced to what I can only describe as a robot, which had learned how to the play the accordion. Its actual name was Wichsen Akkordeon Roboter (WAR for short).   This was a life-sized automaton that played the accordion, and the plan was to take it around the world to trade shows and exhibitions and use it to promote Hohner. It was rumoured to have cost millions of Deutsche-Marks and the Germans were clearly very proud. Each figure-like appendage had hinges where knuckles would be and the bellows were pumped fluidly by a hydraulic computer-controlled arm.  The technicians demonstrated how a track could be played into it from one of those new-fangled CD’s and the robot would play it perfectly and instantly. It was impressive. We were asked to select a CD from a massive library, and insert it to see how well the WAR could play it. I spotted a Clifton Chenier CD lurking in a corner and selected ‘Bayou Blues’.   To the embarrassment of the technicians it sounded completely wrong. They seemed to panic. Next I got a Muddy Waters CD and inserted that. That sounded wrong, too. This automaton couldn’t play the blues.   It had no soul.   We were quickly hustled out of the factory and reminded about the confidentiality agreement. Our German hosts warned us that on no account should we mention the WAR. Then we were whisked down the Autobahn to the airport and flown home.   However, with the incident playing on my mind, and feeling that accordion players of the world ought to know about this, I subsequently revealed the details of the trip in an interview with ‘Accordion World’.   Ze Germans were very unimpressed; well they were livid! So much so, that a lawsuit was in the offing. I had to seriously take stock of my life at that point: what with my break up with Shaz, nothing to stay in Barnsley for, and now the Germans after me, I took the opportunity to get a lift to Hull. And so began my colourful career on the cruise ships, specialising in Yodelling workshops whilst cruising northern Europe, and limbo dance workshops when in the Caribbean.   But obviously, that’s another story…
15.
She's from Dodworth - thinks she’s looking good Her Sanskrit tattoos are misunderstood Wears an Oompa Loompa fake tan when she’s on the lash While a carefully-placed vagazzle hides her shaving rash Wears a onesie to her local pub at half past 8 And anyone who looks at her she wants to feight 20 aifs of cider she's a total wreck She tumbles off her stool and nearly breaks her neck She also nicks consumer products from the Tarn An i-phone 6, an e-cig and a dressing gown Judge Rinder stopped her claim against the Aldi there Cos the cucumber she took back looked quite worse for wear
16.
I went into Tarn with me missus All t'shops she did drag me ararnd And after she'd spent nearly all of me cash She war feeling a little run darn She said to me “I need a cuppa Let's go to that shop across t'road” And when I did turn and did see that place I thought “Oh, bloody hell, here we go…” I tried to play stupid and silent But ar lass was the one in command And it's hard to keep your composure When you go in that Big Coffee Brand We ventured inside that establishment And I just could not believe me eyes It was rammed to the rafters with hipsters Great big beards upon every guy And then I perused the menu There was nowt there that looked like a beer I mean, what the chuff’s a Cortado? I thought Clarkson drove one on Top Gear More sneaky than Somali Pirates Cos they’d rob you while you’re on dry land And it's hard to keep your composure When you go in that Big Coffee Brand The spotty faced oik behind t'counter Was glaring at me so bemused Cos for him it war easy to understand But I hadn’t got a chuffin clue The front of the queue, it loomed nearer With no paddle, I was up shit creek ‘Cos the prices were tekkin’ the biscuit And the biscuits were not chuffin’ cheap I tried not to resort to violence While I stood with me head in me hands Cos it's hard to keep your composure When you go in that Big Coffee Brand I attempted to order me hot drink But it all went so wrong so fast ‘Cos before I'd finished my sentence He’d robbed me of all of me cash And the coffee cost 7 pound 80 I thought he was havin’ a laugh Then he asked me 'Do you want a loyalty card?' I said “Dun't bother, pal, I'm not comin’ back!” I could have incited a riot I’d had as much as I could stand It's so hard to keep your composure When you go in that Big Coffee Brand So having completed my order I decided to write down this tune So you’ll know now why they call it Costa ‘Cos it’ll cost you a chuffin’ fortune! Cos I needed more cash than Neil Diamond Cos the prices were just out of hand If there's owt that you've learned, or you're feeling concerned Don't go near that Big Coffee Brand!
17.
Ar lass had nothing but bad luck Anytime that she attempted to bake The smoke alarm would often tell me She may have made a ‘little’ mistake She’d bring her goods to the table Her buns cremated and black And look at me with expectant eyes While I wished she’d take the buggers back She wants a double oven - the Bake-Off’s on her mind Wants one with lots of buttons - fan-operated “Get me a double oven - the Mary Berry kind And nice new oven gloves so you can rest your worried mind” She tried the technical challenge But she couldn’t work the microwave They came out salty and savoury But that isn’t how meringues should behave I ate the portion she offered me It was all mangled and mauled She looked all startled and horrified As I spat it up against the wall She wants a double oven - has baking on her mind Going mad with chocolate buttons - She's fond of fondue She cracks eggs by the dozen - until it’s all combined Beware her soggy bottom - be sure to take it out on time The double oven arrived on Friday The model she had been longing for The missus gave me a furtive wink And my temperature started to soar She promised me something saucy I’d hoped it would be obscene She said “It’s all in the wrist action” But then, walked in with nouvelle cuisine She’s got a double oven - the Bake-Off’s on her mind Got one with lots of buttons - fan-operated She’s got a double oven - the Mary Berry kind And nice new oven gloves so she’s chuffed to pieces She’s got buns in the oven - Eclairs and Florentines Baps and tarts by the dozen - Check out that muffin She could stop but she doesn’t - She’s working overtime There’s no more kitchen nightmares - A master baker in her prime
18.
I can’t wait till Monday's through Tuesday's shite and Wednesday’s too Thursday - 9 till 5 can screw! It's Friday, I'm in’t pub Monday mornings crush my soul Tuesday, Wednesday no rock n roll Thursday’s: time to take control Cos it's Friday: time for t’pub Saturday’s great - But on Sunday you can’t stop out late On Friday nights, I’m with my mates The weekend’s over, Monday's back Tuesday, Wednesday same old cack Thursday’s soul like coal is black But by Friday I'm in’t pub Monday messes with me head Tuesday’s, Wednesday’s I see red On Thursday I know what’s ahead It's Friday and I'm in’t pub Saturday’s great - But Sunday’s I would underrate One of five nights I love to hate A word to the wise - it’s no great surprise To find that perfection is pint sized Going out rarnd Tarn - without a care or a frown Line em up and then neck ‘em down And yer future looks bright - it could never be shite To wash out the week, with a well earned pint You can never sup enough - enough of this stuff It's Friday! I'm in’t pub I don't care for Monday morn Tuesday, Wednesday feel forlorn I’m taking Thursday by the horns On Friday, darn to’t pub Monday you can bugger off Tuesdays, Wednesdays - write ‘em off Thursday’s just not good enough ‘Cos on Friday I'm in’t pub
19.
You just sit on your arse - morning, noon, night Straining your heart - with each big bite Taking pizza away - won't make it OK Considering how much you weigh Got the remote control - Mam’s your waiter You claim you’re big boned - to the haters And you say "I'm a kid", but your tekkin’ the piss Cos you won't run for shit Milkshake in one hand playing X-Box At eight years old it’s criminal that If you move you're knackered You go to move you're knackered You only look across the room towards the door and you’re shattered Scoffing trays of jam-filled donuts Eat crisps from the folds in your gut You can’t move - you’re knackered And if you moved you’d stagger And you’re just laid there watching Star Wars but you look like Jabba Go to school in the car - forget walking To the end of the street - must be joking Because you have a date - with your breakfast at eight You’ve got enough on your plate So dieting’s tough - Atkins feels like There’s just not enough - salad tastes shite Dr Gillian McKeith, says you beggar belief Even your arsehole’s got teeth So get on your feet… Your PE teachers know your scam Every week you bring a note from yer mam Cos when you move you’re knackered Don’t give me looks like daggers Forget the pie and peas swap it for low-fat cheese n crackers Fitness classes won’t enrol you You’re the poster boy for Gregg’s sausage rolls That stomach won’t get flatter Cos when you move you’re knackered And you just dream of Crispy Creams and Mars Bars fried in batter Enough’s enough, I’ll go the extra mile Gonna take control, change my whole lifestyle And it’s no big secret - That I’m trying to beat it - run, rest, repeat it So just like Rocky, I’m gonna fly Cutting out the Twix’s, cutting out the Sprite Lifting kettle-bells - well it hurt’s like hell - but I feel compelled Cos now I roll like this… Cutting out the snacks and sweeties Avoiding Type 2 diabetes I’d gone from flab to flabber But now I move like Jagger And now I’m working up a sweat as I move up the ladder You may think drinking eggs is silly But nowadays I can see my willy I don’t feel half as shattered My BMI’s been battered Given a choice of sweets or salad now I’d choose the latter
20.
Lost in Amsterdam – so drunk that I can’t see, oh And I can’t find me mates – there’s no-one left but me, oh And on those cobbled streets – I slipped and put me back out And I could hardly move, all I could was shout-out A lass walked up to me, she was ever so polite She said “My name’s Roxanne”, under crimson neon lights She helped me to my feet, and walked me up some stairs To a small red room, it was then that I got scared I'd send an SMS to me bird - but I know that she’ll go completely berserk I know I’ve really cocked up - I never meant to end up Or even planned to get a massage in a brothel I woke face down, I got up to get my coat I knew by then it was time to depart But she blocked the door, she was all dressed in leather With a gimp mask and a riding crop, she’d break more than my heart I'd send an SMS to me bird - but I know she’ll go completely berserk I know Roxanne did not stop - and I could hardly stand up Me back felt worse after that massage in a brothel Woke up next morning - don't believe what I saw Whips and chains and rubber objects scattered round the floor It was then I screamed at the top of me lungs As she gave me lacerations right across me plums I'd send an SMS to me bird - but with me hands in chains it won’t work I didn’t need a close-up - I know I nearly threw up I never thought it would get messy in that brothel Sendin' out an SOS - rather than the SMS I need some time to convalesce - after all of this undue stress I'd send an SMS to me bird - but I know she’d go completely berserk I’m looking pretty messed up - she’ll say I’ve never grown up And to think it started with a massage in a brothel
21.
Me and me missus went to, the Jessop Wing in Sheffield Signed-up for a course of IVF, but we found it was a minefield They first produced a fountain pen and we signed a pile of paper But I hadn’t got a chuffing clue what they had in store for me there They took us to a tiny room and said they needed samples Two vials of blood from her right arm, but from ME they took an armful Three nurses had to hold me down, they ruffled up me tanktop And they left me with an empty arm, a cuppa and a Hob Nob! Muttering “Ooh you’ve buggered me arm” We only came for embryos Not for pain and a tale of woe I’ve no strength to lift me fire hose They gave me a small plastic jar, and then they took the biscuit And sent me to another room, with very little in it A drawer with sticky magazines – the TV muted silent And a DVD in black & white, titled ‘Shaving Ryan’s Privates’. No way would I be sitting, in the wipe-clean leather armchair Lord only knows, how many blokes, had shot their pistols sat there So there I stood, with task in hand, struggling with me software Tried shooting straight in the tiny jar, but it was a chuffing nightmare Juggling a lad-mag and me jar I’m whackin’ on me-laddio It’s hard to act like Romeo Getting frisky in a jar-o I had bragged about a bucketful but I struggled with a thimble Now I’m not ambidextrous and it’s clear that I’m not nimble And where were all the nurses, their help would have been super But here I am on the NHS, Christ I should’ve gone with BUPA Struggling just to fill up me jar Not the best scenario I’ve got cramp but no ‘get up and go’ Getting frisky in the jar-o Now it hurts when I play me guitar Like a limp lothario I can’t come or get me cock to crow Not so frisky in the jar-o
22.
You walked into the party like everyone’s worst nightmare Like a fart inside a spacesuit You were clearly unwelcome there You were showing off your extension rod And it’s telescopic end And all the girls thought that you were a muppet Wondering where they could shove it, cos... You’re so vain - You had to bring your chuffing selfie stick with you You’re a pain I wouldn’t tire from using it just to clout you, clout you, clout you There have been times when I’ve told myself that maybe you’re just naive But with your iphone 6 and yer selfie stick Sending pictures I don’t want to receive The times I’ve drove myself to drink, to block out what I saw You sat on the lav, showing off your new phone-case Pulling a duckface You’re so vain - and your toilet selfie doesn’t become you You’re a pain No-one wants to see your intimate tattoo, just think it through …Throwback Thursday arrives and you’re far from embarrassed Of your snap with Rolf Harris, and… You’re so vain - You had to bring a bloody selfie stick with you My disdain Is something I saved specially for you, and your phone too When I heard your auntie Ethel died, I was saddened to the core Our hearts were with your family, she was a lady who was adored Stood solemnly at the funeral, but clearly you couldn’t wait There with the corpse and a friend of the vicar Clicking your clicker You’re insane - even with a hashtag it’s far from touching You’re deranged You’ve a face I’d never tire from punching, punching, punching You’re so vain You had to bring your chuffing selfie stick with you You’re a pain I wouldn’t tire from using it just to clout you, clout you, clout you
23.
I get the same old dream, same time every night Of you in that dress and make up I still remember when, you turned to me in bed and said Your life needed a shake up Six months of work in West Berlin But now my her has changed to a him Oh since you’ve been Ron, since you’ve been Ron I’m struggling with the whole ‘man’-thing It just seems so wrong, cos since you’ve been Ron Now you can wee while standing I just can’t understand, why you want to be a man Your curves were in the right places Your chest is all hairy, but still the weirdest thing for me is Beards on both of our faces I used to love to watch you dance But now I’m scared of what’s in your pants Oh since you’ve been Ron, your voice has gone All gravelly like Joe Cocker’s I’m far from impressed, you swapped your bra for a vest I preferred you when you had knockers I’ll make a bob or two - all your Jimmy Choo shoes are going on ebay… Oh since you’ve been Ron, Since you’ve been Ron You’ve learnt how to leave pans soaking Oh since you’ve been Ron, something’s gone wrong I used to do all the poking Ever since you’ve been Ron
24.
I’ve lost the power to talk - after what I’ve gone through Though it’s hurting me - I want no-one to see Feeling deeply scarred - from torment I have been through Words cannot convey - the pain I feel today Me zipper caught me balls You could hear me wailing through the walls I screamed a hundred decibels Because it hurts like chuffing hell I tried to stay calm - but the shock it was horrendous Looking down on my mistake - and my mangled trouser snake I want to be free - to let me dingles dangle But how can I abandon ship - with me conkers in me zip? Wish I’d been much more precise I’ve tried to cool me plums with ice But now I’ve got no tail to tell Because me mojo’s trapped as well The zipper trapped me balls Yes I’m quite far from enthralled Because this tragic injury Has caused nowt but misery I can hardly move - cause it’s throbbing so bad Frozen where I stand - it’s laid in tatters in my hand I’ll say sorry in advance - to the paramedics Cos I know how much I’ll shout - when they pull the bugger out The zipper caught me balls Singing falsetto down the hall Oh yes my strength was quickly sapped When me space hoppers got trapped And size it clearly matters not Me chuffin zipper ate the lot
25.
I can’t believe the news I’ve seen The bike that you fell off got knighted by Queen You’re one of Ireland’s favourite sons But you would rather pay tax to the Netherlands How long - how long must you sing your songs? How long, how long Cause tonight, why can’t you just get stagefright D’you still want to run on unnamed streets? When booking plane tickets, your hat gets its own seat! And I can’t help but wonder why You have to look like you’re Jeff Goldblum in the fly Bono, Bloody Bono Have you found what you’re looking for? If not then dun’t wear sunglasses when you’re indoors For Africa you made such fuss Well tonight thank God that it was them instead of us Bono, Bloody Bono How long - How long must this song go on? How long, how long Cause you’re shite… you’re Ireland’s new potato blight Bono, Bloody Bono Please just go away Just call it a day Burn out and fade away (Bono, Bloody Bono) D’ya know the way to San Jose? (Bono, Bloody Bono) That’s not far enough away (Bono, Bloody Bono) How about the Milky Way (Bono, Bloody Bono) Bono, Bloody Bono (Bono, Bloody Bono) Your sneaky itunes giveaway Can’t take The Edge off it, or make you go away Removing it was such a farce Why can’t you just remove your head from up your arse You think that you’re the Lord of Rock While the world looks on and thinks that you’re a… fool Bono, Bloody Bono
26.
Mr. Soundman, don’t have a fit You have the power to make us sound shit We’ll thank you when the show is over Or at least we will if we are sober Mr Soundman, please don’t get stressed Our soundcheck isn’t an intelligence test Just show us that wonder stuff Mr. Soundman, don’t be a chuff Mr Soundman, let’s reconvene I need more monitor for my tambourine Ten DI’s and six miles of cable And less accordion when you are able Mr Soundman, don’t misbehave My vocals sound just like I am in a cave And please turn off that smoke machine Where’s me band gone, they can’t be seen Mr Soundman, don’t make us sound crap Although we’re comedy we’re not Spinal Tap And don’t get angry when Andy comes late That’s no excuse to take an early lunch break Mr Soundman, don’t make us sound shite Just work yer magic, it’ll turn art alright Make it sound great out the front Mr Soundman, don’t be a wazzock
27.
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about

Studio album #6 saw ALL CHANGE for the band. Very shortly before the release of album #5, Bjorn joined the band's ranks, making us a four-piece for the first time. Then later that same year, Alan #1 left, to be replaced by his brother Alan #2 (this is a long story, which is explained on our website!).

The majority of the songs on The Tarn Machine were written in the period between January and April 2015 during a time of great turmoil. During this period the new line-up of The Bar-Steward Sons were forced to take time-out from live shows after Scott's partner, Amanda, had to undergo surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy for breast cancer.

The album was originally released in early 2015, but with the benefit of hindsight, we felt that we could significantly improve on the production of the album, and so in late 2019, during the 'Leap of Faith' Project, we roped long-standing sound guru Joel Howe back in to mix and master new renditions of the original tracks. On some of them we went back to the original tracks (stripping out rough sounding bits, fixing bits and adding totally new bits to add texture), and in some cases it was back to the drawing board to just start from scratch with long-established tracks to improve them.

We hope that people enjoy revisiting the tracks as much as we did, and to anyone new to them, you will also get the original versions as bonus tracks as they were as 'demo versions' too so that you can compare them and see how they evolved over the years.

Cheers
Scott Doonican

credits

released June 1, 2015

Scott Doonican: vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, ukulele, banjulele, bass guitar, piano, stylophone, body percussion, drum programming
Bjorn Doonicansson: banjo, mandolin, fiddle
Alan Doonican #2: piano accordion, piano, keyboards, xylophone

with special guests on The Devil Went Darn To Barnsley:
Maartin Allcock - electric guitar, baritone guitar, bass, synths
Eliza Carthy - fiddle, backing vocals
Mike Harding - The Devil
Graham Oliver - electric guitar
Matt Townsend - drums
Mojo Doonican - bass on Big Coffee Brand and Frisky In The Jar

All songs recorded by Scott Doonican at Moon-On-A-Stick Studios, West Barnsley
Except The Devil Went Darn To Barnsley - produced by Maartin Allcock at Squiggle Studios, Harlech, Wales

Mixed and mastered by Joel Howe

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The Bar-Steward Sons of Val Doonican UK

Hailing from Barnsley, The Bar-Steward Sons of Val Doonican are Britain's hardest working comedy band. Having played over 1,100 anarchic live shows to date, they are instantly recognisable for their immaculate hair and their stylish dress-sense. The have been critically acclaimed to be the UK festival scene's undisputed Kings of Parody. ... more

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