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Bear in the Basement (Live version)

from My Dad's Songs by Michael Averill

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lyrics

Little Jimmy Syms lived in a house great big and brown
Just across the river in the south end of the town
He was round and chubby, a cut and curly lad
His mother held him by the hand and told him good from bad

She said "Go to work on Monday boy, lead an honest life
When you grow up and marry, never mistreat your wife
Keep your elbows of the table and your feet upon the floor
You'll get a lot of good things, and deserve a whole lot more"

"Try hard ever day my boy, be kind to your friends
Finish every job you start and tie up all loose ends
But don't go in that old basement boy, no matter what you do
Cause there's a big brown bear down there, he'll bite you right in two"

Little Jimmy listened to the words his mother said
But curious strings of wonderment unwound inside his head
He yearned to see that basement door swing open just one time
He listened closely every day to hear a growl or whine

Then one day Jimmy's mother had to go downtown
She left her son at home, sitin' loafin' round
Jimmy got to wondering, couldn't stand it anymore
Grabbed himself a club and headed for that basement door

He opened up the door and those dirty hinges squeaked
He turned on the basement light and down the stairs he sneaked
He rummaged through the coal bin and searched just everywhere
He couldn't find a single sign of any big brown bear

Well then he got much braver, he was feeling might proud
He thought he'd done a great deed and he shouted right out loud
"My mother is a liar, and there ain't no bear down here
There's never been a single thing that I had need to fear"

Ah but Jimmy should have trusted, just a little more
No sooner had he shouted did he hear an awful roar
Lightning split the air and thunder shook the ground
Half a dirty shoelace is all they ever found

Now I'm not one to moralize, it's just not my line
Besides the song is over and I haven't got the time
But you better all be careful of what you say and do
Cause you may find a big brown bear down in your basement too

credits

from My Dad's Songs, released September 29, 2023

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Michael Averill Kelowna, British Columbia

Wanderer….Philosopher….Fun Doctor…..This tradesman of sound was born to bring people together, to make light of a troubled day, and to administer a steady I.V. of positivity to the world. Emerging in Vancouver as an intriguing Folk artist and community builder, his magnetic melodies and warm demeanor unite for an experience that dissolves woes and change perspectives. ... more

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