Down in fair Devon a builder did dwell
He saw some green acres and his heart did swell
‘That’s four hundred houses and five million quid
When my friends on the council have backed up my bid.’
Chorus
‘I’ll have it, I’ll have it, I’ll have it my way
Most councillors worship the rich of the day
If I offer a hall and five starter homes too
They’ll jump at my plan and nod it on through.’
‘There’s an A.O.N.B. and a triple S.I.
A rough country park that I’ll offer to buy.
But they won’t be bothered they’ll do all they can
When I’ve wined them and dined them, they’ll vote for my plan.’
‘For there’s only one mantra that they understand,
Money more money if they sell off the land
To raise all their salaries, pensions and perks
With a little bit over to spend on new works.’
It’s not just more houses they’re eager to see,
It’s more and more tourists paying a fee
To park in their car parks and spend money free
When they fumed in the traffic jams down on the quay.’
‘But it don’t bother me, I’ve a villa in Spain,
Plus an old country rectory down a quiet lane
Near a friendly thatched pub where they serve a good meal
2 miles from my golf club where I can swing a good deal.’
‘Now I’m in limbo, I think I am dead –
A rich councillor friend at my graveside just said
‘How much did he leave then?’ he asked of his mate
‘Everything, everything – he left it too late’.
Final Chorus
‘I had it, I had it, I had it my way
The planet is dying, my children will pay
I made loads of cash, people thought I was smart
I wish I had heeded the voice of my heart.’