Bye Bye Barings, NewsRevue Lyric, 28 February 1995

The collapse of Barings Bank at the hands of Nick Leeson was big news in 1995.

Naturally I gave it the NewsRevue treatment in song. I think this one was used and ran for some time.

BYE BYE BARINGS
(To the Tune of “Bye Bye Baby”)

INTRO

CHIEF EXEC: We’re very broad minded here at Barings, Mr Leeson, and we’ve been in the banking business for hundreds of years. So just calmly explain to me this little bit of difficulty you’ve got into in Singapore.
LEESON: If you hate me after what I say – can’t put it off any longer – just gotta tell you anyway….

CHORUS & VERSE 1

Bye bye Barings, Barings goodbye, {bye Barings, Barings bye bye oooohhhh};
Bye bye Barings, you’ve lost a pile; {bye Barings, Barings bye bye};

LEESON: You’re the one merchant bank I’ve worked for,
Now the press call me “wanker” “berk” for free,
You’re all blaming me -ee-ee-ee.
CHIEF EXEC: You’re our top trading Singaporer,
You screwed up and now we’re all poorer
LEESON: I got trust so you went bust – oh dear!

CHORUS & VERSE 2

Bye bye Barings, Barings goodbye, {bye Barings, Barings bye bye oooohhhh};
Bye bye Barings, went out in style; {bye Barings, Barings bye bye};

LEESON: Thought derivatives would be daring,
CHIEF EXEC: What a balls up! We’re now “Ball Barings” see!
We’re here on page three, (holds up Sun)
LEESON: Is that me?
I just bought a few put swap options,
Can I repay through my wage deductions?
CHIEF EXEC: This event means we’re all spent so

CHORUS 3

Bye bye banking, banking goodbye, {bye banking, banking bye bye oooohhhh};
Bye bye banking, no longer wise; {bye banking, banking bye bye oooohhhh};
Bye bye banking, banking goodbye, {bye banking, banking bye bye oooohhhh};
Bye bye banking, it’s no surprise; {bye banking, banking bye bye}.

Either: exeunt singing the above, or: music stops

CHIEF EXEC: Leeson, you’re a profligate, spendthrift and you know how to line your own pockets using options. You’re promoted. Welcome to the board.
LEESON: Thank you very much sir. Blackout

Originally by the Four Seasons, but the Bay City Rollers version is better known in the UK.