When I was just 16
And drinking was a novelty
Three trebles down on a cold Tuesday night
Clock struck 11.05
And I knew it was time
To bus it back to my address
Behind me I would hear the old footsteps
See that worn out coat and dark dishevelled hair
When I was 65
Just catching up with John and Miles
I'd make my way home for the night
Just 10 yards in front of me
A young girl I'd see
Just trying to walk in a straight line
She'd turn her head to look behind
I'd look at her as if to say it's alright
Those words we'd never speak
In this oh so simple Routine
We'd walk 10 yards apart down that street
And in the glow of the moonlight
For the very first time
I'd (He'd) watch her (me) in safe, for the night
When I was 21
Back in from work I'd come
I had started singing around town
Still I'd look behind
See those glasses on his eyes
The same ones I saw all those years ago
There wasn't a week had gone
His watchful shadow there all along
When I was 70
Out to Percy street, I'd been
I was going on home to my bed
See that young girl in pitch black
With guitar upon her back
Replaced alcohol with responsibility
Now her jeans have rips in the knees
But that's the fashion now you see
Those words we'd never speak
In this oh so simple Routine
We'd walk 10 yards apart down that street
And in the glow of the moonlight
Two hundred and sixtieth time
I'd (He'd) watch her (me) in safe, for the night
She'd turn 22, 23, 24 each week by routine I'd watch her safe into her door
Another year would pass now she must be 25 I'd see her pack her bags and say all of her goodbyes
Those words we'd never speak
In this oh so simple Routine
We'd walk 10 yards apart down that street
And in the glow of the moonlight
For the very last time
I'd (He'd) watch her (me) in safe, for the night