RUTLAND JOHN - When THE RUTLES spoofed Elton John (1976)

Neil Innes & Fatso (a pre-Rutles incarnation of The Rutles) parody Elton John. "Godfrey Daniel" was originally broadcast on RUTLAND WEEKEND TELEVISION, November 1976. Includes appearances of three future Rutles: Eric Idle (aka Dirk McQuickly) at 0:03; Neil Innes (aka Ron Nasty) from 0:05; and John Halsey (aka Barry Wom) in the "Fatso" barbershop quartet from 2:46. John Halsey also plays drums on "Godfrey Daniel" as the drummer of Fatso. Only Ricky Fatar (aka Stig O'Hara) is absent from this pre-Rutles clip.

LYRICS:

A million miles from The Old Routine,
a midnight candle burned.
I believe in believing.
I'm deeply concerned.

Walking down the runway,
through the pouring rain.
Stretching out my arms like
a supersonic plane

Godfrey Daniel.
He ain't done nothin' wrong!
Let him go back to Ohio
or wherever he belongs.

If all the trees were candles
(And who's to say they're not?)
The world would be a birthday cake,
and we could eat the lot.

But too many cooks can spoil the broth,
and a stitch in time saves nine.
A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush,
and I'll never change my mind.

Godfrey Daniel.
He ain't done nothin' wrong!
Let him go back to Ohio
or wherever he belongs.

A tightrope walker has a balanced mind
As well as arms and legs.
But why do chickens cross the road,
not to mention laying eggs?

I guess I'll never know
or truly understand.
Anyhow, it's not just doorknobs
that come off in your hand.

Godfrey Daniel.
He ain't done nothin' wrong!
Let him go back to Ohio
or wherever he belongs.

Godfrey Daniel.
He ain't done nothin' wrong!
Let him go back to Ohio
or wherever he belongs.