The Old Black Rum

Words & Music:

Traditional

arr. Great Big Sea

E E7    A                       D         A

I drank sixteen doubles for the price of one.

D                             A       E

Trying to find the courage to talk to one.

             D  E  A            D  E   A

I asked her for a dance.  Not a second glance.

   A         D      E

My night had just begun.

 

Well, I drink to the Father and the Holy Ghost.

I'm kneeling at the altar of my nightly post.

So, I'll raise a glass, not the first or last.

      A      D  E    A

Come join me in this toast!

 

Chorus:

             E                     A                             D        E

Because the old black rum's got a hold on me like a dog wrapped 'round my leg

        E                     A                               E     A

And the old black rum's got a hold on me.  Will I live for another day?

D            A         E     A

Hey, will I live for another day?

 

Well, the queen of George Street just went walking on by.

Walking on by with some guy who don't care.

That she stood in line since half past nine,

And spent three hours on her hair.  (On her hair!)

 

CHORUS:

 

Well, her friend is looking at me with an evil grin.

I think the bloody racket might soon begin.

I must have said something to the George Street queen.

The boys are joining in!

 

Chorus:

 

So I drank all of my money and I slept out in the rain.

Everyday is different but the nights they're all the same.

You never see the sun on the old black rum.

But I know I'm gonna do it again!

 

Chorus:  [2x]