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Monty's track name was "Tasmania Legend". He ran only one race, a "schooling race", meaning on the track on race night, but with no betting- a trial race. He didn't win, in fact in this song he comes last! Often, in some parts of the world, that means the dog's life is over, literally. Sometimes with a bolt gun, meant for stunning larger animals, sometimes worse.

So many do not reach old age but Monty did. in his case as a rescue dog owned by an artist/landscape gardener II knew, with whom he lived a very happy life. One unusual thing which could explain a lot- greyhounds traditionally run anti-clockwisebut Monty, when let loose in the park, always ran in a clockwise direction!

Monty died some years ago now, and my friend dug an extremely deep grave, him being a gardener and all, and Monty being quite large. Unfortunately, after lowering in Monty, my friend slipped and ended up giving Monty one last hug.

lyrics

MONTY, THE ONE RACE LEGEND.

Monty was his name, not a Legend as they said
Bright lights, roaring of the crowd- the reasons he was bred.
Just an unknown greyhound full of unknown dread,
Quivering in the starting trap and wondering….. what lies ahead.

Though schooling race, no betting done, just see how you cover ground,
But you’d best run bloody fast lad, if you want to stay around.
Your very life depends on it, the only chance you’ll know
To show us what you’re made of, if you stay or if you go.

Monty ran his fastest, other dogs just floated past
“Oh God please don’t let him be the last!”
His heart and lungs were bursting, he just had to win,
What was going to happen to him?

But they called him “front-end phoney”, a “sitter in the box”,
A “checker” on the bends, he’d be better hunting fox,
Will he ever finish, we’ll knock that smile right off his face!
He’ll never run another race.

So line up for the captive bolt gun?
Just one more useless greyhound …. soon be gone.


But Monty he was rescued, he came out of the dark,
No more races, just walks in the park.
But every now and then, his trot becomes a run
And just like liquid silver, shines brighter than the sun.

Monty floats across the grass
With the strength of all those dogs from failed races past
Fuelled by their spirits Monty speeds
Those gentle souls, this world it seems…no longer needs.

credits

from Animal Songs, in aid of Quaker Concern for Animals, track released October 30, 2018
Written, performed and recorded by Eden Thomas.
Principal guitar, Roger Parker

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Eden Thomas

Eden Thomas is a folk singer/song writer and has, in his time, owned several boats on the sea, lakes, rivers and canals. He served in the merchant navy, been a university lecturer, and founded, operated then sold a hi tec IT company, before becoming a Quaker chaplain. Now, happily, he is completely retired and walks the dog.. ... more

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