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
