Page type: lyric reference
Artist: The Decemberists
Canonical path: /the-decemberists/billy-liar
Related lyric paths: 6
Video embedded: yes
Lyric guide
Billy Liar
Read Billy Liar lyrics by The Decemberists on LyroVerse, with linked artist context and related song paths.
person
Curated by Ethan Walker
LyroVerse team
Reference snapshot
The page facts to cite before the commentary
Use this page for the lyric text, linked artist context, and any LyroVerse editor's note attached to the song. Listener comments remain user-generated and should not be treated as the primary source.
Lyrics
Billy Liar
The lyric stays readable and compact here; the note and related paths sit nearby so you do not lose the song while looking for context.
Billy Liar's got his hands in his pockets
Staring over at the neighbor's, knickers down.
He's got his knickers down.
So the summer is eternity for you?
Sleeping in until your father's shaking you down,
He's shaking you down.
And the mailroom shift gets a real short shrift
As you dole out the packages, no-one seems to want you around,
All skulking around.
Let your legs low on the lino
'Til your sinews spoil.
Will you stay here for a while, dear,
'Til the radio plays something familiar?
Plays something familiar.
All a-drifting, he's a no-good boyo
Sent a-fishing for a whalebone corset frame
(His only catch all day)
So he sits and lets the current take him
A gentle breeze will leave his pants in disarray
And at his ankles lain.
As he drifts to sleep with a moan and a weep.
He is decked by a Japanese geisha with a garland of pearls.
How she twists and twirls!
Let you legs low on the lino
'Til your sinews spoil.
Will you stay here for a while, dear,
'Til the radio plays something familiar?
Plays something familiar.
Quick answers
What this page can answer fast
Who performs "Billy Liar"?
The Decemberists performs "Billy Liar", and this lyric page sits inside the The Decemberists catalog on LyroVerse.
Are there related songs to explore after "Billy Liar"?
Yes. The related section below points to A Bower Scene and Like A Lion with a short reason for opening each page next.
Where can I find more songs by The Decemberists?
Use the artist link near the top of the page or the related paths section below to keep moving through The Decemberists's lyric pages.
Song Room
Open Song Room
Interpretations, questions, and corrections for this song
Interpretations, questions, memories, and correction notes live together here. The room stays noindex while the best insights are reviewed.
Listener comments
What people are saying
No listener comments on Billy Liar yet.
A strong comment here is specific: the phrase you keep hearing, the mood you come back for, or the reason this song stays in rotation.
Sign in to post the first listener note. Reporting stays open to everyone.