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The Band of Brothers: Songs/Lyrics

Clayton and Harlow (lyrics)

(The Band of Brothers)
Michael Scott Smith
Note from Michael: I wrote 'Clayton And Harlow' on Valentine's Day in 2004 as a present to my wife. Clayton and Harlow is based on the story of a couple of down-but-not-quite-out men my wife knew when she was beginning her career in human services. My wife gave me the lyrics for the first two lines in the chorus and I came up with the rest.
Instrumentation: Michael Scott Smith: lead vocal, finger-picked guitar; Alan Fox: acoustic bass, bass harmony vocal; Jamie Stevens: 5-string banjo, harmony vocal; Henry Robin: 12-string guitar, tenor harmony vocal; Bruce Bailey: guitar.
Clayton and Harlow - were the best of friends

If one had a bottle - the other would get his share.

You'd see 'em on the corner - down the alley way

And if you caught them sober - this is what they'd say:

Don't ask them for a nickel - when you can ask them for a dime.

Walk right up to 'em - Look 'em dead in the eye.

That's how you panhandle - that's how you get along.

In this great big world - in this little town.

Clayton and Harlow - were two of life's gentle souls.

They'd carry their troubles - no matter how heavy their load.

Some called them hoboes - some called them tramps

Those of us who knew them well - knew God had other plans.

Don't ask them for a nickel - when you can ask them for a dime.

Walk right up to 'em - Look 'em dead in the eye.

That's how you panhandle - that's how you get along.

In this great big world - in this little town.

Kings can have diamonds - princes can have their pearls.

Some of those we call beggars - will have the best of it in the next world.

It's all in the disposition - how we carry our soul.

As we walk through life's trials - no matter if we're rich or poor.

Don't ask them for a nickel - when you can ask them for a dime.

Walk right up to 'em - Look 'em dead in the eye.

That's how you panhandle - that's how you get along.

In this great big world - in this little town.