The Ballad of Paul Tierney

You're the best player this school's had, son You're the only talent in that dressing room If it was up to me, you'd stay here and teach with me But the scouts are crying out for A left back with your pace and clout Within six months it's Man United Through the ranks where George Best started Young player of the year, a glittering career Seemed as predictable as rain Falling on the streets of Whalley Range So where does it go wrong? When the artist leaves the building And you don't get an encore Why is it very likely The third album's in at 22 It's not a patch on the debut His big break comes one Wednesday night Twenty minutes off the bench against a team in relegation fight But it's Paul who gets the blame for the goal that cost the game And another cup upset costs more than just some coupon bets The gaffer wants a word with you We're sending you on loan to Crewe You can get some first-team games, you can forget about the fame And it's what's best for you now And we'll have you back if it works out So where does it go wrong? When the artist leaves the building And you don't get an encore Why is it very likely The third album's in at 22 It's not a patch on the debut From Crewe, Colchester, Blackpool, Livi Altrincham and Stockport County His career hit every fall and he rarely kicked a ball And retired at just thirty, it's the saddest tale you'll ever hear But is it really career failure? Cos I have never been a Man U player Would he say honestly he would rather have been me But I would rather have been him Cos I've never heard the fans all sing Where does it go wrong? When the artist leaves the building And you don't get an encore Why is it very likely The third album's in at 22 But everyone liked the debut And the fans sing... Oh oh oh (Paul Tierney, Paul Tierney)