The Wall Of Death

Lyric by Clive James, music by Pete Atkin


The Head Man had a bad breath
From riding on the Wall of Death
And when he held his gloves out they were smoking
And I knew I was through joking

Put your money where your mouth is
I knew I was through joking

     He said "Okeydoke, my armchair hero
     Let's see if you're equal to the task
     Put your money where your mouth is
     Take off your face, we'd like to see the mask

The Wall of Death
Is a time of truth"

The Head Man had a crushed walk
From a crumpled telescopic fork
And where his helmet stopped his hair was soaking
And I knew I was through joking

Put your money where your mouth is
I knew I was through joking

     He said "It's nothing, riding on the rollers
     Just drumming up thunder for the crowds
     Put your money where your mouth is
     The Wall drills for oil in the clouds

The Wall of Death
Is a time of truth
It's an act of faith"

The Head Man spoke a harsh word
In the cruellest voice I ever heard
He talked like a baby tiger choking
And I knew I was through joking

Put your money where your mouth is
I knew I was through joking

     He said "Rest your hand against the woodwork
     Feel how the wheels have made it warm
     Put your money where your mouth is
     The Wall is the socket for the eyeball of the storm

The Wall of Death
Is an act of faith
It's a shriek of wrath
At the loss of youth"
Pete Atkin Discography