The funk of two hid not the clue of the whiskey on his breath.
Long held as a Rideout classic, this song is requested every Saint Patrick’s Day without fail at The Riley Band’s traditional McLean’s Pub all day Saint Paddy’s pickin’ n’ drinkin’ fest.
“Thank God people know the words to the friggin’ thing,” says Tim. “There are so many in this bloody song that I forget the story if I haven’t had enough Guinness.”
Courtesy of Larry Riley and The Life of Riley Band, “Lisa From Halifax” was recorded for their sophomore album “Savage Harbour.” Featuring Tim Rideout on drums and vocals, Danny Rossiter on bass, Goran Petrovic and Larry Riley on guitars and Tony Costantini on piano.
Lyrics
The lyrics to “Lisa From Halifax”
Lisa from Halifax with a heart 0’ gold and a hide 0’ black
Lisa from Halifax - when does your boyfriend get back?
Lisa from Halifax - with boots so tight and manner slack
Lisa from Halifax - when does your boyfriend get back?
When he does he’s gonna breaka my back
Young master Jimmy was a tendin’ to his chores
when a loud rappin’ clappin’ rhymed Upon his door
Two lads appeard in combat gear and one said “Are ya Jim?’”
The college man said, ’Yes I am Would you like to come on in?
Brazenly the first walked in, his clothes they smelt of death
The funk of two hid not the clue of the whiskey on his breath
And the second on was far from done - ’twas the fire in his eyes
And the grain on the baseball bat ran deep and straight and wide
The grain on the baseball bat ran deep and straight and wide
(chorus)
Our hero drew himself up straight and sucked in a big breath
His poor heart was poundin’ like a piston in his chest
While callin God and Jesus Christ to come and save his soul
He told the lads his story true, and nothin’ but the whole:
"Well, nothin’ lights a fire to me like your lady fair -
"Adulterer of thoughts, perhaps - I know I’ve had my share;
"But alas.’ I say, across the Bay my Katy waits for me,
"And if you doubt my story lads, just ask her and you’ll see.
"So I hate to spoil your evenin’ byes, I know you’re on the rag,
"But I didn’t do her, I didn’t screw her - not so much a shag.
"I met the lass we had a glass, and nothin’ more from there;
"That’s the truth and nothin’ but, that’s it, that’s all, I swear.
"That’s the truth and nothin’ but, that’s it, that’s all, I swear.
(chorus)
Then somethin’ happened - young Jimmy’s words did stick
The fire in this madman’s eye, My God! began to flick
He cracked a smile and joked awhile, then lay that slugger down
Then they beat the drum and sang a song, and danced about the town.
Shakily Jim closed the door, the boys had left his room
That night this lucky bastard had avoided certain doom
He’s spoke to her but once since then - she’s gone - he knows not where
That’s the truth and nothin’ but, that’s it, that’s all, I swear
That’s the truth and nothin’ but, that’s it, that’s all, I swear
And I can vouch for Jimmy boy -
I know, ’cause I was there
(chorus)
Good job you’ re gonna be a chiroprac
(c)Tim Rideout Jan 1996 Montreal, QC, Sudbury, ON.
