Old Pa

I gave my father his very last bath

sponging the piss from his legs and his back

For a week he just lay there perfectly still

Clinging to life by sheer force of will

Old Pa, old Pa

My old rustiferous Pa

Old Pa, old Pa

I feel him in the stars, so near

and so far

He came from a place where they work in the mines

Somehow got out and made a life with his mind

Doted on his girl and raised up two boys

and when it gets quiet I still hear his voice

Old Pa, old Pa (beyond the back yard)

My old rustiferous Pa (out over the marsh)

Old Pa, old Pa (I'm searching the dark)

I feel him in the stars (by the light of my heart)

so near and so far

I’ve learned that life 

can keep you guessing

and what breaks your heart open

might be a blessing

Old Pa, old Pa (beyond the back yard)

My old rustiferous Pa (out over the marsh)

Old Pa, old Pa (I'm searching the dark)

I feel him in the stars (by the light of my heart)

so near and so far