Boris the Bat

by Ralph McTell

There once was a bat named Boris
He lived in the belfry instead of in the forest
And he used to hang around upside down
High up in the church at the edge of town

Ding-a-ling dang-a-ling upside down
He couldn't see too well but he heard the slightest sound
From the flutter of a moth to a splutter and a cough
High up in the church at the edge of town

A belfry is where they keep the bells
Dark and dusty with lots of musty smells
It's a probable fact you wouldn't fancy that
But it's just the job if you're a bat

Ding-a-ling dang-a-ling upside down
He couldn't see too well but he heard the slightest sound
From the flutter of a moth to a splutter and a cough
High up in the belfry at the edge of town

Bats in the belfry - should be in the forest
The vicar wasn't pleased - to be quite honest
He said that all the bats would have to go away
But he changed his mind the very next day

Ding-a-ling dang-a-ling upside down
He couldn't see too well but he heard the slightest sound
From the flutter of a moth to a splutter and a cough
High up in the belfry at the edge of town

That night when some burglars came to rob the church
Boris heard them moving and fluttered off his perch
And the shadow of his wings in the bright moonlight
Made them drop their bag they got such a fright

Ding-a-ling dang-a-ling upside down
He couldn't see too well but he heard the slightest sound
From the flutter of a moth to a splutter and a cough
High up in the belfry at the edge of town



Off went the burglars they left behind their bag
They only got a scare they didn't get the swag
And the vicar was so pleased that as far as I can tell
Boris the bat still sleeps amongst the bells

Ding-a-ling dang-a-ling upside down
He couldn't see too well but he heard the slightest sound
From the flutter of a moth to a splutter and a cough
High up in the belfry at the edge of town