"Don't Let The Old Man In, Mate" lyrics

My old mate was lying there, he was gray and frail
But at least he was gonna die peacefully
He'd been a real good mate, someone I could trust
So I asked if he had some wise words for me

He said, "Don't let the old man in, mate
Don't let the old man in
He'll lead you down that road of misery
Throw away that rocking chair
And get back on your feet
Use it or you'll lose it just like me"

Well, I grabbed his hand, it was thick and hard and cracked
From axes and hammers and old machinery
I said, "You're full of shit, old man, you gave it all you had
And you're looking bloody fit for ninety-three"

He said, "Don't let the old man in, mate
Don't let the old man in
He'll lead you down that road of misery
Throw away that rocking chair and
Get back on your feet
Use it or you'll lose it just like me"

Well, he passed away and I won't forget
How hard the old folks worked
We're getting soft, I reckon you'll agree
Maybe that's a good thing, only time will tell
But I won't forget his wise words for me

He said, "Don't let the old man in, mate
Don't let the old man in
He'll lead you down that road of misery
Throw away that rocking chair
And get back on your feet
Use it or you'll lose it just like me"
Join in, fellas, come on now
Don't let the old man in, mate
Don't let the old man in
He'll lead you down that road of misery
Throw away that rocking chair
And get back on your feet
Use it or you'll lose it just like me

Use it or you'll lose it just like me