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Credits
PERFORMING ARTISTS
Elton John
Vocals
Caleb Quaye
Guitar
Dave Glover
Bass Guitar
Roger Pope
Drums
Ian Duck
Harmonica
Sue & Sunny
Background Vocals
Kay Garner
Background Vocals
Lesley Duncan
Background Vocals
COMPOSITION & LYRICS
Elton John
Composer
Bernie Taupin
Composer
Paul Buckmaster
Arranger
PRODUCTION & ENGINEERING
Gus Dudgeon
Producer
Robin Geoffrey Cable
Engineer
Lyrics
[Verse 1]
"I'll catch the tramline in the morning
With your leave", Van Bushell said
He had further heard the cock crow
As he stumbled out the shed
[Verse 2]
When blind Joseph came towards him
With a shotgun in his arms
He said, "You'll pay me twenty dollars
Before you leave my farm"
[Verse 3]
Van Bushell saw the hook
Which replaced Joseph's hand
He said, "Now calm you down my brother
Let's discuss this man to man"
[Verse 4]
"It's no good you getting angry
We must try to act our age
You're pursuing your convictions
Like some hermit in a cage"
[Verse 5]
You're the son of your father
Try a little bit harder
Do for me as he would do for you
With blood and water, bricks and mortar
He built for you a home
You're the son of your father
So treat me as your own
[Verse 6]
Well, slowly Joseph, well, he lowered the rifle
And he emptied out the shells
Van Bushell, he came towards him
He shook his arm and wished him well
[Verse 7]
He said now, "Hey blind man, that is fine
But I sure can't waste my time
So move aside and let me go my way
I've got a train to ride"
[Verse 8]
Well Joseph turned around
His grin was now a frown
He said, "Let me just refresh your mind
Your manners, boy, seem hard to find"
[Verse 9]
You're the son of your father
Try a little bit harder
Do for me as he would do for you
With blood and water, bricks and mortar
He built for you a home
You're the son of your father
So treat me as your own
[Verse 10]
Well, there's two men lying dead as nails
On an East Virginia farm
For charity's an argument
That only leads to harm
[Verse 11]
So be careful when they're kind to you
Don't you end up in the dirt
Just remember what I'm saying to you
And you likely won't get hurt
[Verse 12]
You're the son of your father
Try a little bit harder
You gotta do for me as he would do for you
With blood and water, bricks and mortar
He built for you a home
You're the son of your father
So treat me as your own
You're the son of your father
So treat me as your own
You're the son of your father
So treat me as your own
Written by: Bernie Taupin, Elton John