The Wall Of Death

by Clive James and Pete Atkin

The Head Man had a bad breath
From riding on the Wall of Death
And when he held his gloves out they were smoking
And I knew I was through joking
Put your money where your mouth is
I knew I was through joking

He said "Okeydoke, my armchair hero
Let's see if you're equal to the task
Put your money where your mouth is
Take off your face, we'd like to see the mask
The Wall of Death
Is a time of truth"

The Head Man had a crushed walk
From a crumpled telescopic fork
And where his helmet stopped his hair was soaking
And I knew I was through joking
Put your money where your mouth is
I knew I was through joking

He said "It's nothing, riding on the rollers
Just drumming up thunder for the crowds
Put your money where your mouth is
The Wall drills for oil in the clouds
The Wall of Death
Is a time of truth
It's an act of faith"

The Head Man spoke a harsh word
In the cruellest voice I ever heard
He talked like a baby tiger choking
And I knew I was through joking
Put your money where your mouth is
I knew I was through joking

He said "Rest your hand against the woodwork
Feel how the wheels have made it warm
Put your money where your mouth is
The Wall is the socket for the eyeball of the storm
The Wall of Death
Is an act of faith
It's a shriek of wrath
At the loss of youth"