Following In Father's Footsteps - Oysterband

I used to come home very very late 
Boots by the hob and gob on the grate 
Father waiting with his pipe in his hand 
He blew me upstairs with his reprimand 

One fine day I was out all night 
There he was gone, it gave me a fright 
I went out looking in my little boat 
So full of hope it could hardly float 

Following in fathers footsteps 
Down the line, down the line 

I came to an island, the shape of a cross 
It had to be my mother's, she met me with a kiss 
She said, You're looking thin (I was feeling fat) 
And no girl's gonna look at you with shoes like that 

Wishes are sharks if troubles are a sea 
She arms herself with another pot of tea 
A long long time she's been marooned 
Dishing up her love with serving spoons 

Following in father's footsteps 
Down the line, all down the line 

I found him in the end, years down the roads, 
Rowing home without any load 
Why has your hair gone so white I? I cried 
And have you brought us gifts from the world so wide? 

A finger to his lips, he took me aside 
He looked like a man with something to hide, he said 
All I ever got from following my wish 
Was a wet arse and not a lot of fish 

Somewhere in his mind he's waiting up for me 
Like a fisherman whose sons have run away to sea 
Sometimes the lines get slack, so it's 
High time I covered up my tracks 

Following in father's footsteps 
Down the line, all down the line