Richard Thompson - Fergus laing
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Tuning: E A D G B E
This song is found on the bonus EP that comes with the deluxe version
of Richard Thompson's record "Still" (2015).
These are the basic chords, and does not in any way capture the wonderful details
of Richard Thompson's virtuoso playing, variations and solos.
But it's a good starting point for developing your own version of the song.
Or just for singing along, perhaps substituting 'Fergus Laing' for the real name
of the person who is the subject of this very biting text – the man who became ...
well, see below for clues.
The alternate verse 4 and last half verse are not on the recording, but has been heard live.
Thompson has been clear that the song is about the New York property developer;
under another name, for fear of being sued or worse.
(But clearly identified in the quoute in the last half verse.)
It was written before said property developer became the President of the USA.
Part of the lyric deals with the circumstances around his golf course project in Scotland.
Studio version similar to recording on YouTube
(good for studying Richard's technique):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yi-Ff3YJPOQ
Live version with alternate text:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xc7x9tLFexw
[Verse 1]
EmFergus Laing is a bDeast of a Emman
He sGtitches uAp and flEmeeces
He wants to manicDure the wEmorld
And sGell it oAff in pEmieces
GHe likes to build his towers high
He bloAcks the sun out of the sky
In the pHmenthouse the champagne's dAry
And slightly gEmassy
[Verse 2]
EmFergus Laing, he woDrks so hEmard
As bGusy Aas a Embee is
Fergus Laing has sDeventeen fEmriends
GAll as dAull as Emhe is
His sGeventeen friends have seventeen wives
AAll the perfect shape and size
They Hmwag their tails and bat their eAyes
Just like LEmassie
[Chorus]
AFergus Laing he builds and builds
Yet small is his eEmrection
AFergus Laing has a fine head of hair
When the wind's in the right dirEmection D
the wind's in the right direCction H7
[Verse 3]
EmFergus Laing and his sDeventeen fEmriends
They liGve insiAde a Embubble
There they withdraw and shDut the dEmoor
At aGny sAign of trEmouble
GShould the peasants wail and vent
And aAsk him where the money went
He'll sHmimply say, it's all been sApent
On being clEmassy
[Verse 4]
EmFergus' buildings rDeach theEm sky
Until yGou cannAot seEme 'em
He thinks the old stuff Dhe pulls Emdown
BeloGngs Ain a museEmum
GHis own fair home is on the Park
an aAiry jewel, a city ark
HmHung with Picasso, hung with BrAaque
but nothing brEmassy
[Chorus]
AFergus Laing he builds and builds
Yet small is his eEmrection
AFergus Laing has a fine head of hair
When the wind's in the right dirEmection D
the wind's in the right direCction H7 Em
[Alternate Verse 4]
His fGits are famous on the scene
The shAortest fuse, so cruel, so mean
But doHmn't call him a drama qAueen
Like Shirley BEmassey
[Chorus]
EmFergus Laing he flaDunts theEm law
But oGne day heA'll be wEmired
And as they drag him Doff to jEmail
We'll aGll shout,A "You're fiEmred!"