Richard Thompson

Waiting at the church

Richard Thompson


I'm in a nice bit of trouble, I confess; 
Somebody with me has had a game. 
I should by now be a proud and happy bride, 
But I've still got to keep my single name. 
I was proposed to by Obadiah Binks 
In a very gentlemanly way; 
Lent him all my money 
So that he could buy a home, 
And punctually at twelve o'clock to-day- 

Chorus: 
There was I, waiting at the church, 
Waiting at the church, waiting at the church; 
When I found he'd left me in the lurch. 
Lor, how it did upset me! 
All at once, he sent me round a note 
Here's the very note, this is what he wrote: 
"Can't get away to marry you today, 
My wife, won't let me!" 
Lor, what a fuss Obadiah made of me 
When he used to take me in the park! 
He used to squeeze me till I was black and blue, 
When he kissed me he used to leave a mark. 
Each time he met me he treated me to port, 
Took me now and then to see the play; 
Understand me rightly, 
When I say he treated me, 
It wasn't him but me that used to pay. 

Just think how disappointed I must feel, 
I'll be off me crumpet very soon. 
I've lost my husband - the one I never had! 
And I dreamed so about the honeymoon. 
I'm looking out for another Obadiah, 
I've already bought the wedding ring, 
There's all my little fal-the-riddles 
Packed up in my box 
Yes, absolutely two of ev'rything