Too Big For This Town

When corner boys step back as you approach them

Rocking very gently on their heels

And the chancers in the bookies glance in your direction

Regardless of the runners in the field

When you can stride up to the bar in any local

And know you will not need to buy a round

A voice inside your head may start to whisper

Listen boy you’re too big for this town

When your name is dropped by those in conversation

Lounging in the smoke-filled, crowded rooms

And the man who pots the black ball stops to listen

To the wisdom which permeates the fumes 

When the local paper talks of local heroes

And politely does request an interview

And even talks of paying your expenses

This town is no longer big enough for you

When you never venture out until the midday

Since it was dawn before you went to bed

And you wear a long dark coat with turned-up collar

And a black brimmed hat is placed upon your head

When you are safely seated at your favourite table

And groups of people start to turn around

And you don’t so much as bat a single eyelid

Then you know you’re too big for this town

One day you’ll take the early morning train out

And wave a cheery long last goodbye

And think of the loved ones left behind you 

Don’t forget your roots they may well cry

But inside they will feel a strange resentment

Which festers with each passing year

And if they hear of any word of failure

You won’t catch them crying in their beer