Lyrics Bishop Cody's Last Request - Tom Paxton

Bishop Cody's Last Request

Bishop Cody’s last request was wired across the sea
Find my wandering brother, boys, and bring him home to me
I knew him as an infant, as a meek and trusting child
But lately I’ve had sad reports that my brother is running wild
Oh bring my brother home to me
With my own eyes I’ve got to see
Just what he’s into
Bishop Cody’s last request received respectful care
The trail said California and they found his brother there
They found him in an alley, in a sea of broken glass
They plucked him from the traffic of the hustlers tripping past
Oh sir you’re brother’s eyes are dim
We’ve come to take you home to him
He needs to see you
Bishop Cody’s last request was told in great detail
The messengers were desperate men;
they had not come to fail
They pressed their case with fervor their urgency was clear
While Bishop Cody’s brother smiled and did not seem to hear
Oh, give the Bishop my regards
Thanks for all the birthday cards
He never failed me
Bishop Cody’s messengers were left with no recourse
The situation plainly called for a little use of force
They grabbed him by the shoulder, but the shoulder
Slipped away
As he vanished down the alley they could hear the brother say
Oh, give the Bishop my regards
Thanks for all the birthday cards
He never failed me
Bishop Cody’s last request was broadcast through the town
And Bishop Cody’s brother was quite often seen around
The messengers were frantic, quite efficient and discreet
But their manner proved distracted when they saw him on the street
Oh, sir you have to go
Oh sir at least you owe
An explanation
Bishop Cody’s last request was finally denied
As his spirit left his body someone heard — my hands are tied
The word went down the alley;
that the Bishop was at rest
And someone opened up a bar called The Bishop’s Last Request
His brother told the priest
The bishop rests in peace
He never failed me
His brother told the priest
The bishop rests in peace
He never failed me