Way back then I was a champion

A fighter in the ring

And all the crowds would cheer

My praises they would sing

Now I am a forgotten man

A hobo out alone

No champ to push me on

Nothing, no-one to call my own



I was a dark eyed boy

Stars in his eyes

Promises made flesh and blood

Grip of arm

And granite charm

Oh, times were golden

Times were good

Sinew young

And skin of ore

Molten and streaming with dreams

Now I nod away the days

Barely remembering names it seems



Oh, I would smile

To hear the bell

Ringing out my glory

Like a bull I paced the ring

My bloody territory



I held on high

The fist in glove

The symbol of my power

Now I wait

A punch drunk fool

To fade away forever



Broken noses

Broken jaws

And many broken hearts

An idol

And a hero

Till my courage fell apart

And now my brain a-ringing

With the final bell and count

They hold my hand up limply

Told the world

That I was OUT!

I didn't mind the scars

The blood

The crushing of the hand

But to lose a nation's

Love, respect

Is something I'll never understand



I'm gonna bury my head

And cry