Dick Turpin, Highwayman is a song from the Horrible Histories TV series. It aired in Series 3, Episode 1 on May 30, 2011, & later in the Savage Songs Special. It Parodies the song "Stand and Deliver" by Adam and The Ants.
In the song, the pedantic Dick Turpin sings about his life & crimes, including his rather surprising ending!
This was filmed at Osterly Park, in Ealing, London
Lyrics 
Edit
Everyone thinks they know the story
Of Dick Turpin’s highway glory
But my past was far more gory-
I was no saint.
You think life is one big antic,
My profession is romantic.
Hate to be pedantic
But it ain’t.
Band: HUH!
Dick: As a butcher down in Essex I was handy with a knife,
Had a sideline as a poacher led a less than honest life.
The notorious gang of Gregory liked my style & dedication
They signed me up & gave me a real robber’s education
We rampaged through the Essex farms, we stole & robbed & fought
But when the law came for us I escaped & they got caught!
I became a highwayman
Was daylight robbery.
Band: HUH!
Dick: I was no prince charming
Nothing dandy about me!
Band: HUH!
Dick: The truth is, I was violent & with my good mate, Matt King,
Robbed travelers at gunpoint – money, watches, anything!
My horse wasn’t called Black Bess- although that’s what you’ve read.
Was no romantic hero, shot not one but two men dead!
The legend that surrounds me misses out the crucial part:
I was a ruthless killer with a ruthless killer’s heart!
Was a vicious highwayman
A source of pain & tears.
Band: HUH!
Dick: When you hear how my story ends
You won’t believe your ears!
Band: HUH!
Dick: I ran away to Yorkshire changed my name to John Palmer-
Was sent to prison for stealing chickens from a farmer.
Wrote a letter to my family, a plea it did relate-
The postman saw the envelope & here’s the twist of fate:
He had taught me how to write so he’d knew I’d lied,
“That’s not John Palmer’s hand – That’s Dick Turpin’s!” he cried!
Was a vicious highwayman
My crimes had brought me fame
Band: HUH!
Dick: Was stitched up by a postie
That’s not glamorous,
That’s lame!
Band: HUH!
Dick: No more stand & deliver
You’ll remember this I hope..,
Band: HUH!
Dick: It’s no fun hanging with highwaymen
When you’re… Hanging from a rope!
Cast Edit
- Mathew Baynton as Dick Turpin
- Jim Howick as Drummer/Band Member
- Martha Howe-Douglas as Guitarist/Town Woman
- Simon Farnaby as Band Member
- Laurence Rickard as Band Member
- Alice Lowe as Town Woman
- Ben Willbond as Postman
Notes Edit
External Links Edit
- Dick Turpin, Highwayman at Horrible Histories TV
