Heidi

HEIDI Brian Hooper, November 2005

I used to be a singer in a barbershop quintet,

But now I am a ringer in a band;

Since Heidi stole my heart away – a loss I don't regret –

I've been ten years with a bell in either hand.

I stand there in me uniform, just waiting for me note,

And every high D Heidi rings, a lump comes to me throat.

Heidi plays high D and E, and me, well I just ring bottom B and C.

I remember it was Frid'y, the first time I heard the bells,

And there was lovely Heidi, ringing true;

I knew she'd never look at me unless I rang as well,

So I joined the band, what else was I to do?

I wanted to get closer than the upper F and G,

To ring in Heidi's octave would be paradise for me.

Heidi plays high D and E, and me, well I just ring bottom B and C.

I tried to get promotion when old Middle C retired,

After hours in A&E with RSI

But they said I had the gravitas the bottom C required,

I was wrung out, but at least I didn't pipe me eye.

So I'll just stay at this end and imagine Heidi's charms,

The day she lets her clappers rest and melts into my arms.

Heidi plays high D and E, and me, well I just ring bottom B and C.

(repeat verse1)

Just a few days after my “La Jeusseliniere Experience” I was providing some music for a function at Salisbury Methodist Church with my group, “After The Rain”. Among the other participants was a handbell band, and I started to wonder what could ever have made me want to join a band like that .......