Modena Rambler, The (M. Brooks)
Alberto Cottica was a founder member of Here Be Dragons. When he left the UK, to rejoin his band The Modena City Ramblers, I wrote this song for him (Based, lyrically, on "The Wild Rover" of course).
We recorded the song for our debut album but soon afterwards Will told me he thought the chorus felt too short so I extended it. This is the version we have gigged since about the year 2000. When we reworked "Alcohol & Rain" to mark 25 years we took the chance to get the extended chorus version down at last.
My name's Alberto Cottica
I've traveled wide and I've traveled far
For years in pubs and clubs and bars
I've played The Wild Rover
But I'll say "Ciao" to the girls I've kissed
"Goodbye" to the pubs where I've got pissed
I can't say you won't be missed
But our time together is over
CHORUS
Fare thee well to London town
The time has come to settle down
Mike. Anne, Nick Pat I gotta go
To Franco, Cisco, Gio and Massimo
Arrivaderci Londra brutta
Vado i mio bella Modena
Goodbye to all the friends I've known
The Modena Rambler's going home
When I was young and in my prime
Restless, I made up my mind
To leave Modena City behind
Around the world to roam
Over moors and hills I've rambled
And through red light districts ambled
Out of police cells I've scrambled
Now I'm going home
CHORUS
Went into an alehouse I used to frequent
Told the landlady my money was spent
With my credit card she was content
So I bought a round
Now this prodigal bambino
'Swapping warm flat beer for vino
Instant coffee for cappuccino
I'm Modena bound
CHORUS
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