From the railhead to the boatyard
From the factory to the farm
From the mine to the mill yard
I've weathered the storm

From the bar room to the bedpost
I've wasted my days, all I have is my drink
And the time left to think
While time slips away

Just look at my face
When you tell me goodbye
You'll see what I'm after
By the look in my eye

Just walk away and leave me alone
It's a long way back home

Now in case you should ask me
What it is that I've done
I'd say I'm a soldier
Who once had a son

But my son doesn't know me
That's his right to choose
Oh say, can you see? My best friend is me
I'm a friend I could use

Just look at my face
When you tell me goodbye
You'll see what I'm after
By the look in my eye

Just walk away and leave me alone
It's a long way back home

Now the pages have faded
The story grows cold
And the plot falls to ashes
Like the ruins of old

Those rats in my rafters
They're after my shoes
And anything else they can find on the shelf
I've said they could use

And just look at my face
When you tell me goodbye
You'll see what I'm after
By the look in my eye

Just walk away and leave me alone
It's a long way back home
It's a long way back home