[Verse 1] At the academy gate in the rain He’d pace like a king in a cheap brass chain “Stand up, lads, look sharp, look clean” Then he’d wink at the sergeant’s coffee machine He’d pick the roughest wee rookies out With a slap on the back and a smug little shout “Go on, make a name, make some noise” Then he’d pocket a slice from the boys [Pre-Chorus] Aye, he taught them how to nod How to grin through the fraud How to hide the gold in a coal-black coat Then he’d toast their luck with a sly little quote [Chorus] A lesson in muddy blue A lesson in muddy blue He sent the rookies out, then took a cut or two A lesson in muddy blue A lesson in muddy blue Laugh now, pal—karma’s coming for you (Muddy blue) (muddy blue) [Verse 2] One took cash from a bookie’s hand One brought back rings and a stolen van One came home with a pocket full of lies And the instructor said, “That’s a tidy prize” He kept a ledger in a biscuit tin With names and numbers and a greasy grin Till a young constable spilled the tea To the wrong old auntie down on Ferry Street [Pre-Chorus] Aye, the walls had ears And the truth had teeth When the chief saw the books and the bribe-marked stack He said, “Lads, we’ve got a stinker in our own back” [Chorus] A lesson in muddy blue A lesson in muddy blue He sent the rookies out, then took a cut or two A lesson in muddy blue A lesson in muddy blue Laugh now, pal—karma’s coming for you (Muddy blue) (muddy blue) [Bridge] They found him by the trophy shelf Trying to blame it all on somebody else But the pipe band played as they led him through Past every boot he’d dirtied, every oath he knew [Final Chorus] A lesson in muddy blue A lesson in muddy blue He sent the rookies out, then took a cut or two A lesson in muddy blue A lesson in muddy blue Now he’s in the dock with a face gone blue (A lesson in muddy blue) (Muddy blue)
