Bishop Cody’s Last Request - Tom Paxton

Bishop Cody's Last Request - Tom Paxton
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
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
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
To 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