F Troop

I was only sixteen years, when I met my brother
He looked at me, and his face lit up with joy
After the tears, he talked about our mother
Held me close and whispered ‘Butter Boy’

I remember drinking wine, and talking with my brother
Had a drink, then he didn’t think I should
I told him I could handle it, and I said ‘let’s get another’
Sitting in the kitchen, in Dight Street Collingwood

We’d take a walk to Fitzroy, early in the morning
When sometimes family life became a strain
We’d stand outside the cellars
Greeting friends we knew were coming
Grabbed a quart, and walked to Charcoal Lane

I remember sitting in the laneway with my brother
Sharing cigarettes and company
Drinking with some friends we knew
Who said they knew our father
Sitting in the laneway, my brother and me

Now the lanes were not forgotten
But the parks became our haven
And everybody knew the parkies law
And I see my brother standing
On that hill side, and he’s saying
F Troop doesn’t ride here anymore

I remember dancing ‘round the jukebox with my brother
Dancing to, and singing “I Can Help”
Acting just like children in the joy we gave each other
Dancing ‘round the jukebox, in the Champion Hotel
Dancing ‘round the jukebox, in the Champion Hotel