Three Brass Balls

Now.. there were two particular pawnshops.
That were visited regular with goods.
One was at Ince Bar, called Lygoes.
The other was old Johnny Woods.

On account of there being no money.
The pawnshop was mam's only chance.
On Monday she pawned all dad's jackets.
And Tuesday she pawned all his pants.

Now .. my dad he knew nothing about it.
Well.. that’s what my mam would think.
If he'd known all is clothes were missing.
It was certain there'd be a big stink.

She told him, she had taken them to the cleaners.
They would be ready for Friday .. no doubt.
She'd redeem them .. sponge them and press them.
And that’s how he never found out.

Now, it was different when it involved the children.
Of a provident cheque she was fain. (Glad ).
Because anything she bought was only worn once.
Then nobody saw them again.

It was unusual how the bedding went missing.
Upstairs at night we'd all trundle.
We would notice all the coats and brown paper on the bed.
Because ,with the blankets she had made up a bundle.

She used to have a debt bag under her apron.
And she walked as though she had rickets.
And when she dropped dead, we found that old bag.
She was weighed down with all pawnshop tickets.