And I came at last to that fabled house
Of festive fun and fine fare,
At the end of my ride from the south, the south,
The Hotel Central was there!
I had breakfast next day in a very Dutch way,
Black bread and cheese and ham,
And when I'd recovered I sallied forth
To become a Billiton man.
My future was there in Couperusplein
And I went feeling slightly afraid.
But I'd no need to worry for there in a hurry
They gave me some Lucas-aid.
My boss was Verwoerd and I'd never thought
To work for a man such as he.
His standards were high and to see eye to eye
Was a very tall order for me.
But I'm grateful indeed for the help I've received
From my colleague, my boss, my peer.
He's corrected my English in every Note
I've written since I've been here!
I tried to learn Dutch, though I never learned much,
And speaking was always a trouble.
So thanks, Ingrid, to you for all you've been through,
When the Dutch that I spoke came out double!
The first months were great and passed at a rate,
The money flowed fast and flowed well.
The world in recession just seemed an impression
For We were supported by Shell!
But then came the news, they were turning the screws
And a cloud seemed to cover the heaven.
Our proud explorations in seventeen nations
Were quickly knocked backwards to seven.
It's hard to define just what caused the decline
And the need for so much harsh correction.
But perhaps we'll survive and can once again thrive
With Marcel to provide the direction
Well now I have come to the end of my time
In the Hague and in some ways it's sad.
But I hope that you all have enjoyed having me,
For I've surely enjoyed being had!