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Rector of Stiffkey

from Dog Days by The Dog Days of Summer

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about

The prostitutes Padre:
Harold Francis Davidson was the Rector of Stiffkey (pronounced Stewkey). His lifelong mission was to save young girls from a life of prostitution. It was alleged that his relationship with the girls went far beyond his duties as a padre. He brought many of these fallen women from Soho to the Stiffkey rectory for a Norfolk holiday, which did not please some of the villagers. Eventually charges were brought against him and he was defrocked. His story was reported in all of the major tabloids so he went off to Blackpool to become a carnival performer (As you do). He would fast himself in a barrel, Roast himself in an oven with a mechanical devil prodding his behind with a pitchfork, however, his demise came when he was attacked by a lion while lion taming. He died 1937.

lyrics

The Rector of Stiffkey

Stiffkey Blue Cockles, Stiffkey Blue Sea
There once lived a Rector
Nicknamed Little Jimmy
He attended Kings Levees
And he fought in the war
But who could have predicted
What his life had in store

He was known as the prostitutes Padre
And he made the headlines in more than one way

Stiffkey Blue Cockles, Stiffkey Blue Sea
This Rector Little Jimmy
Had a soft heart you see
His travels to Soho
Caused much of a stir
He Rescued fallen women
Or so he’d conjure

He was known as the prostitutes Padre
And he made the headlines in more than one way

Stiffkey Blue Cockles, Stiffkey Blue Sea
The papers made Jimmy
Into a right mockery
His stories of charity were not believed
So he became an ex-clergyman
And was asked to leave.

He was known as the prostitutes Padre
And he made the headlines in more than one way

No more Stiffkey blue cockles
No more Stiffkey blue sea
He traveled down to Blackpool
To ware off his notoriety
He fasted in barrels
And was arrested for his crimes
Still making it into the papers
With glorious headlines

He was known as the prostitutes Padre
And he made the headlines in more than one way

He wanted to protest and clear his name
So into the cage with the lions he’d tame
He’d put his head right into it;s mouth
But stood on it’s tail while taking his bow

credits

from Dog Days, released November 7, 2012

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The Dog Days of Summer Norwich, UK

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