I held to his hand like he’d held on to mine
Like if I held fast, he’d get more time
But his sickness come on like a thief in the night
And the man, my old man, had lost his fight

I was always a kid, him to my old man
Till ma called crying, changed the plans
We did what we could, but there was never a chance
When the devil wants a turn to dance

So Lord, if you please, ‘cause I don’t understand
Why you couldn’t reach out, give him a hand
And tell me again, help me, please, understand
Why you couldn’t leave me my old 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 him, last one alive
Withered and spent waiting to die
But deep in my sons’ eyes, I’m sure I see
The old man looking back at me

So Lord, if you please, ‘cause I don’t understand
Why you couldn’t reach out, give him a hand
And tell me again, help me, please, understand
Why you couldn’t leave me my old man?