From the railhead to the boatyard
From the factory to the farm
From the mines to the millhouse
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
As 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
Well I 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
As 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

Just look at my face
As 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