Norfolk Stonemason Thomas Gooding was buried standing upright in the cloister wall of
Norwich Cathedral, in the belief that he would be the first to Heaven come Judgement Day.
His memorial depicts a skeleton in prayer.
The lyrics to the Bridge of the song are from the inscription on the memorial, which is
believed to have been written by Thomas himself.
Lyrics
Stand
Thomas Gooding was a stand up man
Though he took to a knee whenever he can
Always quick to genuflect, though he spends eternity erect
His stony eyes survey all who pass by
Through stained glass Phoebus' rays fall on him
Then shadows cross his face throughout each day
From morning prayers to Evensong, he always stands to sing along
They'll be time for sitting after Judgement Day
Chorus
Thomas you'll be standing here for all time
Your mortal frame is buried in the wall
When you died, you took your place
At the starting line of your last race
Thomas you're ahead of us all
Monuments made for the richer, with Fire-Sharp and Punch and Pitcher
Cathedral, Church and Stately home, you carved yourself a life in stone You and your work have stood the test of time
Repeat Chorus
Bridge
All you, that do, this place pass bye, remember death for you must dye As- you- are now, even so was I, And as I am so that you be
Thomas Gooding Here do staye, waiting for God's judgement daye
Stand behind your own creation, A watchful eye on congregation
Your soul resides in God's domain, your bones are all that still remain
A reminder of your life for evermore
Repeat Chorus
Chorus
Thomas you'll be standing here for all time
Your mortal frame is buried in the wall
When you died, you took your place
At the starting line of your last race
Now the writing’s on the wall
Thomas you're ahead of us all
© Phil Marshall 14/4/20