Everyone thinks they know the story
Of Dick Turpin's highway glory
But my past was far more gory
Was no saint You think life is one big antic
My profession is romantic
Hate to be pedantic
But it ain't
HA
As a butcher down in Essex I was handy with a knife
Had a sideline as a poacher led a lest than honest life
A notorious gang of Gregory
Liked my stile and dedication
They signed me up and gave me
A real robber's education
We rampaged through the Essex farms
We stole and robbed and fought
But when the law came for us
I escaped and they got caught
I became I highway man
Was daylight robbery
HA
I was no prince charming
Nothing dandy about me
HA
The truth is, I was violent
And with my good mate, Matt King
Robbed travelers at gunpoint
Money, watches, anything!
My horse wasn't called black Bess
Although that's what you've read
Was no romantic hero
Shot but one but two men dead
The legend that surrounds me
Misses out the crucial part
I was a ruthless killer
With a ruthless killer's heart
I was a vicious highwayman
A source of pain and tears
HA
When you hear how my story ends
You won't believe your ears
HA
I ran away to Yorkshire
Changes my name to John Palmer
Was sent to prison
Stealing chickens from a farmer
Wrote a letter to my family
A plea it did relate
The postman saw the envelope
And here's the twist of fate
He had taught me how to write
So he'd knew I'd lied
"that's not John Palmer's hand!
That's Dick Turpin's!" he cried!
I was a vicious highway man
My crimes had brought me fame
HA
Was stitched up by a postie
That's not glamorous
THAT'S LAME!
HA
No more stand and deliver
You'll remember this I hope
HA
It's no fun hanging with highwaymen
When you're...
Hanging from a rope!
