My Old Man Lyrics

I held to his hand, like he held onto mine
Like him, I helped friends get more time
But his sickness came on, kike a thief and a knife
And the man, my old man lost his friend

I was always the kid, him my old man
'Til ma called cryin', changed the plans
We did what we could, but there's never a chance
When the devil wants his turn t' dance

So lord if you please, 'cause I don' understand
Why y' couldn't reach out, give him a hand
An' tell me again, help me, please, understand
Why y' couldn't leave me my ol' man

He'd worked all his life, never asked for much
A meal, a whiskey was enough
Raised without love, since he's three
Alone, no one but ma and me

The last day I saw 'im, last one alive
Weathered and spent waitin' t' die
But deep in my sons' eyes, I'm sure I see
My old man, lookin' back at me

So lord if you please, 'cause I don' understand
Why y' couldn't reach out, give him a hand
An' tell me again, help me, please, understand
Why y' couldn't leave me my ol' man