Ian McDonald - Birdman lyrics

The Inventor's Dream (O.U.A.T.) Long ago in Walthamstow A man he dreamed a singular scheme Had no wish to join the fish But he'd sigh "I'd love to fly" Sat in bed and scratched his head So absurd to fly like a bird Time blew past until at last Late one night he saw the light Careful hands drew up the plans Shapes and things like curious wings Hieroglyphics most prolific Numbered charts with all of the parts Now the work starts The Workshop Toiled for days on struts and stays Umpteen screws and numerous glues Harness leathers and rainbow feathers Hinges and joints at relevant points Wishbone Ascension 'Til in the golden dawnbeam sun He saw that all the work was done With face aglow ran up the road To Wishbone Hill, then pausing still Cast his eyes on distant skies And slowly moved his arms Slowly up, then slowly down Faster up, then faster down Faster up, then faster down 'Til at last with a swishing sound He very gently left the ground ('Til at last with a swishing sound He very gently left the ground) 'Til at last he left the ground Birdman Flies! Instrumental Wings in the Sunset Weary from his journey Birdman circled homewards Gliding through the sunset He very gently floated down Down to the ground Birdman – The Reflection Instrumental