Old Man Kensey wants to be a sign painter
First he's got to learn to read
He's gonna be a clown on TV.
Flags at his elbow, time to breath
(That's my folly) I believe

Drink up the lake, Kensey's away
(That's my folly) That's my mistake

Old Man Kensey wants to be a goalie
First he's got to learn to count
He's gonna be a clown on a circus mount
Letters to me signed in sopped up tar
(That's my folly) Kensey's going far

John, Bill and Ted, stand on your head
(That's my folly) I'm ready to go

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
(That's my folly) I believe

Drink up the lake, John, Bill and Ted,
(That's my folly) That's my mistake
Kensey's away, stand on your head
(That's my folly) I'm ready to go

Quotes collected from 'R.E.M. - In Their Own Words' by Peter Hogan

Lyrics are based on fans interpretations and are not official.

All R.E.M. originals written by Bill Berry, Peter Buck, Mike Mills and Michael Stipe.
Co-written by J.Ayers

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By Ernie Griffin Michael said he had a breakdown while making this
album but it really doesn't sound like this. It's a great
album and Old Man Kensey is another masterpiece...
Great song but no more breakdowns, Michael
...wish you guys health for the next 1.000.000 years...

By Carolin