They're sending the old man home
Back where the buffalo roam
Out in Pacific they say he was the best

Now he's in his "civies" headin' home like all the rest

He'll never forget Rosa Lee

Or sleepless nights he fought upon the sea
He'll only have the memories
Or great books by James Jones

`Cause they're sending the old man home

Far away

Far away
Another life so very far away


They'll tear down the officers clubs
And write off the overdue subs
So let's drink to their memories

Our heroes and our pals
To those crazy navy flyers
To those swell Hawaiian gals


The sailors will dance in the street
Then they'll mothball the whole damn fleet

We'll only have the picture books
Of land and sea and foam


`Cause they're sending the old man home