Old Man Kensey by R.E.M. Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Old man Kensey
Wants to be a sign painter
First, he's got to learn to read
He's going to be a clown on TV
Flexes his elbow, taut and free
(That's my folly) I believe

[Chorus]
Drink up the lake
Kensey's awake
(If that's my folly)
That's my mistake

[Verse 2]
Old man Kensey
Wants to be a goalie
First, he's got to learn to count
He's going to be a clown on a circus mount
Letters to me signed in sopped up tar
(That's my folly) Kensey's going far
[Chorus]
John, Bill and Ed
Stand on your head
(If that's my folly)
I'm ready to go

[Verse 3]
Old man Kensey
Wants to be a dog catcher
First, he's got to 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

[Chorus]
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

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