[v1]
Back before our folks were born when microphones were basic
When there was only analogue
No digital replacement
The phonograph was all we had to play music on
It’s funny now we walk around with an iPod full of songs
[v2]
When making a recording it was all done on the spot
You had to get it right first time
One take was all you got
And though it wasn’t perfect at least it was sincere
I miss the muddy water now the river runs so clear
[v3]
The demise of private enterprise wreaked havoc in my town
Since the corporate record store forced the others to close down
Now everywhere is nowhere and the roads all look the same
But no-one seems to notice and shareholders don’t complain
[v4]
Not long ago tobacco was thought to be okay
Giving all the jazz bars a real authentic haze
Now people run for cover when I ask ‘em for a light
You know I recon soon all smokers will be shot on sight
[v5]
There’s changes in the ocean
There’s changes in the sea
There’s people keeping charts of nautical cartography
They’ve done it for a long while
There’s libraries of archives
Still it keeps on changing as millennia go by
[v6]
Some ask what’s with the accent?
You sound like a hillbilly
Don’t you know that’s my intention
I do that deliberately
I’ve found it’s where my heart is
No parody or ploy
I just pretend I’m singing
Back when Bob was still a boy
Back when Bob was still a boy
Back when Bob was still a boy