TO AN OLD MATE
(H.Lawson/J.Schumann)

Old Mate! In the gusty old weather
When our hopes and our troubles were new
In the years we spent in wearing out leather
I found you unselfish and true
I have gathered these songs together
For the sake of our friendship and you
And I send them along instead of the letters
I promised to write to you

I remember, Old Man, I remember
The tracks that we followed are clear
The jovial last nights of December
The solemn first days of the year
Long tramps through the clearings and timber
Short partings on platform and pier
I remember, Old Man, I remember
The tracks that we followed are clear

I can still feel the spirit that bore us
And often the old stars will shine
I remember the last spree in chorus
For the sake of that other Lang Syne,
When the tracks lay divided before us
Your path through the future and mine
I can still feel the spirit that bore us
And often the old stars will shine

You will find in these pages a trace of
That side of our past which was bright
And recognise sometimes the face of a friend
A friend who has dropped out of sight
I have gathered these songs together
For the sake of our friendship and you
And I send them along instead of the letters
I promised to write to you

As recorded by John Schumann on 'Lawson' and 'Behind the Lines' albums. He made some omissions and alterations.

The original poem

Youtube clip

--Stewie.