My Father's Shoes

Even now I see him walking home at sundown

he's whistling rock of ages with his lunchbox at his side

I still recall the smell of smoke and ashes on his jacket

and that factory dust was on his shoes the afternoon he died

I swore I'd never heed that factory whistle

in a banker's cage I signed a loan against my future sins

all the neighbours shook my hand

and wished me well upon my leaving

though my father was a poor man he owned a wealth of friends

So take these boots that shine like Judas silver

and all these sad reflections on lost untravelled roads

while the rain falls on a field of bones and roses

give me back my father's shoes and let me walk in those

My stroke was good, the deals fell fast end easy

I hired the sweat of honest men and took the lion's share

my wardrobe filled with shirts of silk

and boots of tender leather

and I walked in them the halls of power

but found no comfort there

So take these boots that shine like Judas silver

and all these sad reflections on lost untravelled roads

while the rain falls on a field of bones and roses

give me back my father's shoes and let me walk in those

Lady lay these boots upon the fire

'cause lady now I swear I'll never wear this pair again

I meant to stand up straight and tall

it never was that easy

now these soles are stained from walking on the dreams

of better men

So take these boots that shine like Judas silver

and all these sad reflections on lost untravelled roads

while the rain falls on a field of bones and roses

give me back my father's shoes and let me walk in those