OLD SOLDIER
(Mary McFadden / Lacy J. Dalton)


Lacy J. Dalton - 1980





I saw him last Friday on a big concert stage
The warm amber lights did a lot for his age
I touched the backstage pass I wore like a prize
I wanted a good look at the old soldier's eyes

With a towel cross his shoulders to soak up the sweat
He hadn't cooled down from his final set
He needed to rest, but the crowd wouldn't give
And I saw how he's paid for the life that he's lived

You can tell an old soldier by the look in his eyes
Seen so many battles, when he sings, he cries
So many good times, so many goodbyes
You can tell an old soldier by the look in his eyes

His road man introduced us, my manager first
And I was so nervous and dyin' o'thirst
He took one look at me and gave me his beer
He said, "I like your record, the best to you, dear"

You can tell an old soldier by the look in his eyes
Seen so many battles, when he sings, he cries
So many good times, so many goodbyes
You can tell an old soldier by the look in his eyes

You can tell an old soldier by the look in his eyes
Seen so many battles, when he sings, we all cry






(Transcribed by Mel Priddle - March 2013)