Dead Man's Boots (Broadway Version)

Gideon: He said “you see these work boots in my hands They’d probably fit ye' now, my son Take them, they’re a gift from me Why don’t you try them on? 'Cause it would do your old man good to see You walking in his boots one day And take your place among the men Who work up on the slipway.” These dead man’s boots Though they’re old and curled When a feller needs a job And a place in the world Joe: And it’s time for a man to put down roots Joe & Gideon: And walk to the river in your old man’s boots Gideon: Why in the Hell would I do that And why would I agree? When your hand was all that I received As far as I remember Well it's not as if you’d spoiled me With your kindness up to then you see I had a plan of me own and I’d quit this place When I came of age September Gideon & Young Gideon: These dead man’s boots Know their way down the hill They could walk there themselves And they probably will Gideon: I had plenty of choice, plenty other routes And you’d never see me walking in these dead man’s boots What was it made him think I’d be happy ending up like him? When he’d hardly got two ha’pennies left Or a broken pot to piss in He wanted the same thing for me Was that his final wish? Joe: What the hell are you going to do?! Young Gideon: Anything but this! Young Gideon & Gideon: These dead man’s boots Know their way down the hill They could walk there themselves And they probably will Gideon: But they won’t walk with me Cause I’m off the other way I’ve had it up to here I’m going to have my say When all you’ve got left Is that cross on the wall I want nothing from you I want nothing at all Not a pension or a pittance When this whole life is through Get this through your head I am nothing like you! I’m done with all the arguments There’ll be no more disputes And you’ll die before you see me In these dead man’s boots