Well, I heard back from the folks over at Syracuse Pub Sing (my fault for the delay--I missed their response!), and sadly, their version of "I Can Brew" is not the same one shared here. But, the writer, Bill Owens, did share with me his version of the song, which is very entertaining in its own right. He agreed to let me share the lyrics here for everyone's enjoyment. In the email, he explained that he wrote it "after being inspired by the fact that singers these days were much more familiar with coffee than coal."

I Can Brew
(Bill Owens)

I can brew, boys,
I can pour it out,
I can grind the beans,
I can dance and shout.
I can brew, boys,
java black and fine,
I’m a coffee lad
servin’ folks in line.

On Saint Monday’s Day
I drag myself from bed,
with my aching feet
and my throbbing head.
Then I brew a pot
and drink a cup or two,
I’ve got folks to serve ‘cause
they hate Mondays too.

Chorus

Well I likes my whisky
and I likes my beer,
but at four AM
my head they won’t clear.
It’s the coffee bean,
roasted - finely ground,
that’s the only thing
that makes my heart pound.

Chorus

Got this job at fourteen,
that’s a tender age.
Been here ever since
earning minimum wage.
I’ll keep brewing here
even at low pay,
‘cause I drink my weight
in coffee ev’ry day.

Chorus

I’ll be at my post
till the day I drop,
but don’t write me off
if my heart should stop.
Though you think I’m dead
it’s caffeine that I lack,
an espresso shot
will bring me right back!

Chorus