I know I should have done it,
But I can’t remember what it was.
It was in my head when I lay in bed,
But I can’t remember what it was.
It was something quite important,
Or so it seemed right then.
But can I remember what it was?
O drat! I’ve forgotten again!

I know I should have bought it,
But I can’t remember what it was.
It was right at the top when I went in the shop,
But I can’t remember what it was.
It was something I really needed,
I’m pretty sure of that,
But can I remember what it was?
I’ve forgotten again! Oh drat!

I know I should have sent it,
But I can’t remember what it was.
That letter to Flo, or was it Joe?
I can’t remember what it was.
They really needed an answer,
By yesterday, or before,
But can I remember what it was?
I’ve forgotten again! What a bore!

I know I should have fixed it,
But I can’t remember what it was.
That thing, it’s the same as that other wossname.
No, I can’t remember what it was.
I’m sure something awful will happen
If it doesn’t get fixed fairly soon.
But can I remember what it was?
I’ve forgotten again! What a goon!

I’ll have to go back to where I knew for sure:
Upstairs, the other room, through that door.
Recreate the conditions for the fog to lift.
Perhaps another drink would make it shift?
Oh yes! I’ll have another tot!
Then I can give it a further shot…
That’s better! I’m sure to remember soon.
Maybe I’ll have it this afternoon?…

No that didn’t help, it’s not coming back,
Maybe this is a permanent lack
Of remembering things that I shouldn’t forget,
I didn’t think I would lose it yet,
But there it goes, my memory;
I took it for granted, now I see…

But wait! It was shopping I needed to do!
And, oh yes! It was yeast I needed too!
And it was Joe, not Flo, I needed to mail,
To help with how to brew his ale.
And I should have fixed that beer-pulling tap,
The one which has had a slight mishap.
Look at that! My memory is quite intact.
I think I remember every fact!
Of all that’s happened I’m totally sure,
And things which haven’t, I remember those more!

And brewing and drinking, I know all about,
I’m glad old Joe will try it out.
Then I’ll go round his and take my fixed tap
To pull the ale of that excellent chap.
And as we sit there we’ll gently fade
Into somnolence with his ale’s good aid.
Then – when we awake and try to recall
We’ll find we can’t remember at all:
Who we are, where we’ve been,
What we’ve done, what we’ve seen…
We’ll just sit there, content as can be,
What use will we have for memory?