Panama 1983

 

I used to potter close and afar

In plain clothes for a job.

In late nineteen eighty three I went to Panama.

Strange it seems although the boss was Noriega

I found Panama quite a delight. 

Especially upon a night.

It was my fifth time there so I was aware 

the guys on customs could be quite a pair.

But nothing $20 US couldn’t sort fair and square.

Each!

 

But on this occasion things changed a bit

Well Actually it went to shit

It started with a machine gun in the ribs and farce

And finished with a rubber glove up the arse.

The bits in-between were more of a beating 

There was no offer to avail of the lovely seating.

 

Now stripped naked in a police room in Panama

Isn't the number one choice of rooms to be naked.

Of course I’m only guessing. But its educated.

They stole my stereo and all my tapes

Hendrix, Marley and the Clash..

Then they found my safety stash

$300,00 dollars in a sock in cash

 

But this was a helping hand I didn’t expect

Cause thieves falling out is an opportunity

So I asked one to stamp my Passport for me

Which with a smile he really did.

They’d taken everything except some clothes

All my money they’d already hid.

 

The next move was hard to see

Unless they shot each other or even me

But in the end he turned and asked

Not seeing the irony of recent destitution due to theft

Señor to help you on your way a little something

I pointed out my recent change in circumstances

He shrugged and laughed and said here señor Phil

He gave a freebie bag of very fine coke

and said you don’t seem too bad a bloke.

 

As we were now mates and I was getting dressed

I asked what had been the cause my downfall

He said something so obvious its easy to recall

Your Mrs Thatcher stole Malvinas man 

and slaughtered our Spanish clan.

When it comes to machismo theres only one race

And sadly I’d entered their personal space.

But no one remembers the butterfly effect as we bomb

And attack and take and act with venomous aplomb, 

What really saddens me was that Maggie never got to feel…

To feel the effects of that rubber glove for real!