Dead Mans Boots

Tom : F
F C
You see these work boots in my hands, they'll probably fit you now my son
Bb C Dm Gm Gm7 C7
Take them, they're a gift from me, why don't you try them on?
F C
It would do your old man good to see you walking in these boots one day
Bb C Dm Gm C7 C F
And take your place among the men who work upon the slipway

[Chorus]
C F
These dead man's boots, though they're old and curled
Bb F
When a feller needs a job and a place in the world
  Bb  C  Dm   Gm
(Let it ring)
And it's time for a man to put down roots
C7 C
And walk to the river in his old man's boots

[Intro Half] (Do this once, instead of twice like you do at first)
| F | C | % | % |

[Verse 2]
F C
He said, "I'm nearly done and asking this, that you do one final thing for me
Bb C Dm Gm Gm7 C
You're barely but a sapling, and you think that you're a tree
F C
If you need a seed to prosper, you must first put down some roots
Bb C Dm Gm C F
Just one foot then the other in these dead man's boots"

[Chorus]
C F
These dead man's boots know their way down the hill
Bb F
They could walk there themselves and they probably will
Bb C Dm Gm
There's a place for you there to sink your roots
C7 C
And take a walk to the river in his old man's boots

[Mini Bridge]
| F | Eb |

[Verse 3]
Bb F Gm C
I said, "Why in the hell would I do that? And why would I agree?"
Bb C Dm Gm Gm7 C7
When his hand was all that I'd received, as far as I remember
Bb F Gm C
It's not as if he'd spoiled me with his kindness up to then you see
Bb C Dm Gm C F
I'd a plan of me own and I'd quit this place when I came of age September

[Chorus]
C F
These dead man's boots know their way down the hill
Bb F
They could walk there themselves and they probably will
Bb C Dm Gm
I'd plenty of choices, and plenty other routes
C7 C
And he'd never see me walking in these dead man's boots

[Mini Bridge]
| F | Eb |

[Verse 4]
(Varies a little from Verse 3)
Bb F Gm C
What was it made him think I'd be happy ending up like him?
Bb C Dm Gm Gm7 C7
When he'd hardly got two half pennies left, or a broken pot to piss in
Bb F Gm C
He wanted this same thing for me, was that his final wish?
  Bb  C  Dm   Gm   C
(Root note)
He said, "What the hell are you going to do?"
N.C.
I said, "Anything but this!"
F
(Listen to the song to know where to play it)

[Outro]
C F
These dead man's boots know their way down the hill
Bb F
They can walk there themselves and they most likely will
Bb F
But they won't walk with me because I'm off the other way
Bb F
I've had it up to here, I'm going to have my say
Bb F
When all you've got left is that cross on the wall
Bb F
I want nothing from you, I want nothing at all
Gm F
Not a pension nor a pittance, when your whole life is through
Bb C
Get this through your head, I'm nothing like you
  Bb      Gm
(Let ring)
I'm done with all the arguments, there'll be no more dispute
  C    Ab    Gm      F
(Rings until finishes)
And you'll die before you see me in your dead man's boots