“Yes” I have stood where you now stand, and sucked the big ones down,

With my lungs about ready to explode, trying to save the honor of our town,

Put my head in where Angels fear to tread, just to score that winning goal,

Only to be carried unconscious from that field, with the result still unknown.

I have sat upon that very same bar stool, and drank my fill from the silver cup,

Leaned against the same wall that you did, and brought it all back up,

Queued up for the same old burger and chips, always more than I could eat,

And went toe to toe outside in the arch, then bled out in the street.

 

Put my arms around a slim waist or two, in the shelter of the old mill doors,

The potent mix of perfume and vinegar, and maybe a chance to explore,

Got the same slaps on my face that you will, for trying to be just a little bold,

Even though we may be many decades apart, the same old stories must unfold.

Now days I believe all the new music is crap, I am sure my oldies felt the same,

As I find myself stepping on their shadows, taking their place in life’s game,

Do you boys still all stick together in pubs, when you go drinking out of town,

I sure hope that you can still entertain them; we always brought the house down.

 

Have you followed in silence behind a hearse, when a neighbor has passed away?

Gathered in a circle around the family, as they lowered it down into the grave,

Shook their hands and looked them in the eyes, as you waited to pay your respects,

Wonder what kind of a funeral you might have, and then quickly try to forget.

Look up at the cross on Brandon hill; bless yourself when walking out the gates,

The pace is much faster now walking back, smoking and talking with your mates,

Of course I too have been there and back, and the feelings were the very same,

I also promised myself that I would return more often, but nobody is to blame.

 

The friends that you have around you now, will be as good as you will ever get,

And yet already you all will be moving apart, that’s just life, have no regrets,

Enjoy each other and look after each other, for time eats the loyalty of youth,

You may have guessed that I was a lucky bastard too, I miss it and that’s the truth.

So remember that feeling you get swimming at night, looking up at the moon,

For it has run thru veins hundreds of years before you, and it’s all over to soon,

The person that has never made a mistake, has never made anything at all,

There has always been someone that’s gone before, and already took that fall.

 

The next time some old timer offers advice, just smile politely and nod your head,

They would give anything to be in your shoes, all they can give is advice instead,

I can remember asking myself as you do now, how come it always has to be you,

Spare a few minutes maybe buy them a drink, it’s the very least that you can do.

For all too soon you will look around you, and you are now the one giving advice,

Complaining about that noise they call music, how a quiet pint would be nice,

You will be happy to have a young face to talk to, even if it’s only for a while,

While you may forget they will not, I can guarantee you they will like your style.

 

 

 

 

    

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