Al Stewart - Franklin's Table

Al Stewart - Franklin's Table



Dinner with Ben Franklin on Friday night


The invitation read


Of course I wrote and thanked him


I wouldn't miss it for the world I said


His table is so well kept



He plays the glass harmonica


And talks of wind and kites


The habits of the court of France


And other strange delights


Of course I've heard it all before


On other wintry nights


And yet there is no better wine or conversation



The English call it claret


And clear and red it sits inside my glass


Sent to us from Paris


A greater kindness never came to pass


We'll drink his health, with the last



He plays the glass harmonica


And talks of wind and kites


Of almanacs and specacles


And other strange delights


Of course I've heard it all before


On other wintry nights


And yet there is no better wine or conversation



Time goes by in stories


Wine goes by, dark and young


When it comes my turn here


I'll be telling one with a purple tongue



The night grows philosophic


I miss a word or two, it must be said


As I hear them talking


I sink a little keeping in my chair


Thanking the fates that brought me here



He plays the glass harmonica


And talks of wind and kites


Of lightening and odometers


And other strange delights


Of course I've heard it all before


On other wintry nights


And yet there is no better wine or conversation