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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!"