14 July 2012
I'm one of the lads again now yes, I'm one of the lads again. I can paint the town red and choose my own bed I'm one of the lads again.
No more sticky fingermarks over the doors Leggo and crisp papers littering the floors, the house is all neat and bright as a pin, a pleasure to ask new acquaintances in.
No more for me old family saloons with biscuit crumbs, babies and burst yellow balloons. There's a sporty two-seater all shiny and new with reclining seats and stereo too.
For I'm one of the lads again now yes, I'm one of the lads again, I can paint the town red and choose my own bed I'm one of the lads again.
I can still go to night clubs still put on the charm emerge with a giggling girl on my arm. I don't help with homework or mend broken toys I'm free as a bird I'm one of the boys.
I can get in the bathroom whenever I choose and I know where to find my car keys and shoes. I was always the one to wander and roam, not really cut out for a family and home.
But I'm one of the lads again now yes, I'm one of the lads again. I can paint the town red and choose my own bed I'm one of the lads again.
Yet when I sit all alone and gaze into the yard at that tiny three-wheeler all rusted and scarred, Where there used to be laughter and tears and grazed knees, just half a toy windmill half turns in the breeze.
I remember the rainbows that follow the rain and would give all the world to be just Dad - again.
TOM MAY
BALLAD OF A FREE MAN • Opuss № I