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