Thomas of Teignmouth
(by Simon Barron and Rosalind Brady
we are indepted to the books of Owen Davies in researching this song)
It’s Teignmouth town where I was raised
And mending shoes my lawful trade but
I gained renown and a lasting fame
As the cunning man that I became
It’s Thomas of Teignmouth conjuror
At your service madam or sir
Well I rule the stars and I read the moon
Tell if good fortunes due to you it’s
When to plant and when to sow
If you cross my palm then you shall know
It’s Thomas of Teignmouth conjuror
At your service madam or sir
Your warts are cured in a single throw
For each I take a small white stone
Into a calico bag they go then
Over the shoulder onto the road
It’s Thomas of Teignmouth conjuror
At your service madam or sir
When the bumpkins come to the big town square
On a market day I’m a waiting there with
A spell for the guernsey cow that’s dry
I’ll deliver their flocks from the evil eye
It’s Thomas of Teignmouth conjuror
At your service madam or sir
Affairs of the heart are a daily task
The maidens know I’m the one to ask
For a dream of their future husbands name
And a charm to assure his heart’s aflame
It’s Thomas of Teignmouth conjuror
At your service madam or sir
A fair wind begged by a sailors wife
A gamer’s luck for the rolling dice and
If you’ve been robbed then I’m your man
I’ll discover the thief what a fellow I am
It’s Thomas of Teignmouth conjuror
At your service madam or sir
My backroom stuffed with a case of books
But I lay them up there just for looks
With a broken globe and a cat’s old skull for
The simple folk are quick to gull
It’s Thomas of Teignmouth conjuror
At your service madam or sir
It’s Teignmouth town where I was raised
And mending shoes my lawful trade but
I gained renown and a lasting fame
As the cunning man that I became
It’s Thomas of Teignmouth conjuror
At your service madam or sir