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The Congelton Bear
John Tams Starting note G This one is a fun story... ham it up a bit. I have no idea what the "Wakes" are, but it sounds like some kind of annual celebration. Anyone have a clue on this?G D
The Wakes coming on and the bear he took ill
G C D G
We tried him with potion, with brandy and pill
G D
He died in his sleep at the eve of the Wakes
G C D G
The cause, it was said, was strong ale and sweet cakes.Refrain:
G F C
The cheeses of Cheshire are famed, but beware
G D
Of stories they tell of the Congleton Bear
C G C G
The Congleton Bear, the Congleton Bear
G C D C
They sold the Church Bible to buy a new bear.G D
He'd served the town well and he'd served town true
G C D G
To lie him in state was the least they could do
G D
The old bear was dead, a successor they'd need
G C D G
A new bear was wanted, and that at great speed. Refrain:G D
Now a parson is useful in times of great need
G C D G
And imbibed with strong porter he quickly agreed
G D
The parson, his Bible he gave then and there
G C D G
We sold it in Nantwich to buy a new bear. Refrain:G D
The new bear, a she-bear, was toast of the town
G C D G
To music and laughter she danced up and down
G D
So loudly the cheering would waken the dead
G C D G
It caused the old bear for to rise from his bed Refrain:G D
Pills, potion and brandy induced a deep trance
G C D G
And refreshed by the music he began for to dance
G D
He danced down the road causing many a gaze
G C D G
Word quickly spread that the old bear was raised. Refrain:G D
He rolled his dark eye as he spied the she-bear
G C D G
And with an embrace they danced jigs pair-and-pair
G D
The cheeses of Cheshire are famed but beware
G C D G
Of stories they tell of the Congleton Bear. Refrain
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