Happy Birthday Me

[Verse 1] Seventeen’s circled on my old wall calendar Sixty-six candles in a neat little row State says “here you are,” six years late to the party But I’ll toast every pound as it finally shows up. Got my shiny new bus pass in a plastic holder Like a golden ticket to the day for free “Next stop, anywhere,” driver checks my photograph I just grin and say, “honestly it’s really me” (ha!) [Chorus] Happy birthday, me Swingin’ into sixty-six so easily I’ve got time, I’ve got buses, I’ve got cash for tea And a camera in each pocket like buried treasure Happy birthday, me Click-click, let the snapshots be From Nottingham lanes to the river Trent This year I just show up and let life say “cheese” [Verse 2] Four cameras clacking like a band in rhythm Old brick alleys and the market stall chat Tramlines gleaming in the late day shimmer Little kid waving in a red wool hat Gallery walls, yeah, I’ve seen my name there Awards gather dust on an internet site Now I’m chasing that crooked afternoon light Just for the joy of it, just for myself (oh yeah) [Chorus] Happy birthday, me Swingin’ into sixty-six so easily I’ve got time, I’ve got buses, I’ve got cash for tea And a camera in each pocket like buried treasure Happy birthday, me Click-click, let the snapshots be From Nottingham lanes to the river Trent This year I just show up and let life say “cheese” [Bridge] Here’s to the pension at last and 9.30 buses Missed years turning into little pluses If life’s a frame, I’ll tilt it playfully Blur the edges, keep the best of me [Chorus] Happy birthday, me Swingin’ into sixty-six so easily I’ll explore every corner where the stories breathe With a laugh, with a lens, with a heart set free Happy birthday, me Oh, the future’s looking pukka From Nottingham streets to the edge of the sea Every step, every shot sings “happy birthday, me!”