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This Old Brush

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In this context 'Barnet'', abbreviated from 'Barnet Fair'

is rhyming slang for hair.

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This old brush would once brush cleanly
This old brush once smoothed my hair
This old brush once snagged a single strand
When I was kempt and fair
This old brush began to clog up
With the hair that it had pulled
This old brush was like a fur ball
Can my barnet be refuelled 

Ain’t gonna need this brush no longer
Ain’t gonna need this brush no more
Ain’t got time to rub those creams in
Nor to tap the surgeon’s door
This old brush served through my youthful days
But now lives in a drawer
If this old brush could be bigger
I could use it on the floor

This old brush outlived its uses
This old brush redundant now
This old comb is all I need now
This old brush must take a bow
This old comb ain’t working proper 
Like that old brush always did
There’s a dumb old tufty bit
Of which my comb will not get rid

Ain’t gonna brush this hair no longer
Ain’t gonna sweep it to one side
Cos I’ve got this centre parting
It’s about four inches wide
Ain’t got time to rub those creams in
Nor to tap the surgeon’s door
Ain’t gonna need this brush no longer
Ain’t gonna need this brush no more

Copyright © | Year Posted 2025




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Date: 4/17/2025 7:59:00 AM
Not familiar with the song or singer, but you my friend could probably fill his shoes! Great song you created here Terry! Blessings, Jennifer.
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Terry Flood
Date: 4/17/2025 2:37:00 PM
Thank you, Jennifer. Just Google it… considering it’s subject matter, it an upbeat, uptempo song and I’m astounded that it wasn’t an international hit, especially considering the number of cover versions that exist. Glad you enjoyed. Terry
Date: 4/16/2025 6:17:00 AM
I'm fortunate baldness doesn't run in the fam. Still using both brush and comb. Funny song
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Terry Flood
Date: 4/16/2025 7:26:00 AM
I wrote this with the Shakin’ Steven’s version of ‘This ole house’ in mind. That wasn’t a hit in the States, but the Rosemary Clooney version is pretty damned close so I thought people would still get it. Cheers Tom. Terry
Date: 4/15/2025 3:39:00 PM
ha ha ha shakin stevens would be proud of this parody Terry lol:-) hugs Jan xx
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Terry Flood
Date: 4/15/2025 3:47:00 PM
Thank you, Jan. Trouble is, I’ve got that damned tune stuck in my head now… how glad am I that I didn’t parody the birdie song?
Date: 4/15/2025 3:22:00 PM
Love the poem, the humour, the expert rhyming and the ‘This Ole House’ / Shakin’ Stevens vibe. Great work all round Terry. Cheers - Gary
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Terry Flood
Date: 4/16/2025 7:28:00 AM
Thanks, Gary. Wasn’t sure to what extent ‘This ole house’ was a hit overseas, so just crossed my fingers and posted it.
Date: 4/15/2025 11:56:00 AM
I enjoyed reading this creative "This Old Brush" write/story. So true for many. With ages comes new problems. Hope you are OK... Have a wonderful spring day and Blessed Easter.........
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Terry Flood
Date: 4/15/2025 3:36:00 PM
Thanks, Paula. Actually, haven’t needed a brush for many many years… even my comb has missing teeth, which matters not… alas it hasn’t much to do!
Date: 4/15/2025 9:59:00 AM
Ha! You’ve described one of the (many!) downsides of aging quite well, Terry! It’s always a pleasure to see one of your poems listed…
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Terry Flood
Date: 4/15/2025 3:40:00 PM
I hope you sang along, Ilene… everyone needs a good sing song once in a while. I can’t join in… I’m busy polishing my head…. Actually, that’s not true… that tufty bit gets in the way!

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