Bishop Cody's Last Request - Tom Paxton

Bishop Cody’s last request was wired across the sea

Find my wandering brother, boys, and bring him home to me

I knew him as an infant, as a meek and trusting child

But lately I’ve had sad reports that my brother is running wild

Oh bring my brother home to me

With my own eyes I’ve got to see

Just what he’s into

Bishop Cody’s last request received respectful care

The trail said California and they found his brother there

They found him in an alley, in a sea of broken glass

They plucked him from the traffic of the hustlers tripping past

Oh sir you’re brother’s eyes are dim

We’ve come to take you home to him

He needs to see you

Bishop Cody’s last request was told in great detail

The messengers were desperate men;

they had not come to fail

They pressed their case with fervor their urgency was clear

While Bishop Cody’s brother smiled and did not seem to hear

Oh, give the Bishop my regards

Thanks for all the birthday cards

He never failed me

Bishop Cody’s messengers were left with no recourse

The situation plainly called for a little use of force

They grabbed him by the shoulder, but the shoulder

Slipped away

As he vanished down the alley they could hear the brother say

Oh, give the Bishop my regards

Thanks for all the birthday cards

He never failed me

Bishop Cody’s last request was broadcast through the town

And Bishop Cody’s brother was quite often seen around

The messengers were frantic, quite efficient and discreet

But their manner proved distracted when they saw him on the street

Oh, sir you have to go

Oh sir at least you owe

An explanation

Bishop Cody’s last request was finally denied

As his spirit left his body someone heard — my hands are tied

The word went down the alley;

that the Bishop was at rest

And someone opened up a bar called The Bishop’s Last Request

His brother told the priest

The bishop rests in peace

He never failed me

His brother told the priest

The bishop rests in peace

He never failed me