FABLES OF THE RECONSTRUCTION: OLD MAN KENSEY

It seems that the lyrics online for this song are cursory.  I don't think the person transcribing listened very closely to the words.  With the power of YouTube and demo versions, all of which are very true to the recorded version, I have put together a clearer picture of the song.  As with all Stipe lyrics there is some trickery involved and the delivery is again lackadaisical.  For instance, I'm not entirely sure of 'John, Bill, and Ted (or Ed)' but it is as close as anything.  An early live version has Stipe saying 'Flax in my elbow' which prompted my flax decision.   Another knock on the online transcription is noting the bridge as unintelligible.  I find that part of the song perhaps Stipe's clearest delivery.
  The song itself is about a real person who, surprise, was a helper of the Rev. Howard Finster.  He would kidnap dogs and ransom them for beer money among other strange exploits.  Another side note, local Athens musician Jerry Ayers was given a songwriting credit for contributions on this song. Only the second non-member of the band to be assigned such an honor. 

OLD MAN KENSEY
Old man Kensey wants to be a sign painter
First he’s gotta learn to read
He’s gonna be a clown on TV
Flax in his elbow, time to breathe
(If that’s my folly)
I believe

Drink up the lake
Kensey’s awake
(If that’s my folly)
That’s my mistake

Old man Kensey wants to be a goalie
First he’s gotta learn to count
He’s gonna be a clown on a circus mount
Letters to me signed, soft dog talk
(If that’s my folly)
Kensey’s going far

John, Bill, and Ted
Stand on your head
(If that’s my folly)
I’m ready to go

(If you see myself as you do)
(If you see myself as you do)
If we miss a chance, whoa, oh
(If you see myself as you do)
If we miss a chance, whoa, oh
(If I live my life as you)

Old man Kensey wants to be a dog catcher
First he’s gotta learn to stand
He’s gonna be a clown in a marching band
Letters to me signed
Ransom greed
(If that’s my folly)
I believe

Drink up the lake
John, Bill, and Ed
(If that’s my folly)
That’s my mistake

Kensey’s awake
Stand on your head
(If that’s my folly)
I’m ready to go

Drink up the lake
Stand on your head
(If that’s my folly)
I’m ready to go


This song is actually fairly easy.  Sparse with a lot of picking, it completely captures the mood of this strange character.  It's a bit of a downer, but is extremely fun to play.  Something I've noticed on this song, on the 'chords' strum up with gusto.  Really brings out the Buck!

OLD MAN KENSEY
Bass Intro:

e|------------------------------------------|

B|------------------------------------------|

G|------------------------------------------|

D|--------------2-3-4-----------------------|

A|-2-0-2-(2)-(2)-----2-0-2-(2)-(2)-(2)-(2)--|

E|--3-----------------3---------------------|

Intro:

e|------------------------0--------------------0-0-0-0---|

B|------------------------0--------------------0-0-0-0---|

G|------------------------4--------------------4-2-2-4h--|

D|---------------0--------2-----------0--------2---------|

A|-0-0-0-0-2h-0-2-4-2-0-2h--0-0-2h-0-2-4-2-0-2h----------|

E|-------------------------------------------------------|

Verse:

e|--------------|

B|---0--0-------|

G|----0---------|

D|--4----4------|

A|-2---0--------|

E|--------------|

Chorus: x3

e|----------------------------------|

B|----------0--------------0--0--0--|

G|----0------2-2>4---0------2--2----|

D|-2-4-4-0-2--2---2-4-4-0-2--2--2---|

A|----------------------------------|

E|----------------------------------|

e|---------0----|

B|---------0----|

G|----0----2----|

D|-2-4-4-0-2----|

A|--------------|

E|--------------|

Middle Bridge:

e|---------------------0----|

B|----0--0--0-------0---0---|

G|---3-3--3--3----1--1---1--|

D|--4---4--4--4--2----2-----|

A|-4------------2-----------|

E|--------------------------|

-BW