Jake the Jackdaw

by Ralph McTell

Jackdaws like shiny things, silver paper, golden rings
These are the sort of things that catch Jake's blue eyes
But when he makes a nest he always makes a mess
He can't find half his things - no matter how he tries

Teaspoons and biscuit tins, bottle tops and safety pins
Mixed in a messy heap, oh what can be found?
One day it's all too much, makes Jake's whole nest collapse
Then all his precious things go clatter to the ground

Now here's his chance at last to search for the things he lost
Picking and pecking through his treasures displayed
But they don't look so bright as they did at first sight
They are all tarnished now, for glitter soon does fade

Rusty old biscuit tins, greenish brass and grimy rings
These things no longer look so sparkling and fine
Poor Jake he learnt that day, bright things don't stay that way
They must be dusted off and polished till they shine