by Robin Williamson



When I was a little boy

I used to take the time

To go and see old Rab McPhee

Down by the railway line

He was getting on in years then you know

And very fond of a drop of mountain whisky, and didn't he tell me so

He was always full of a good story, and he'd a nose like a weatherhane

He was never exactly drunk, but then he was never exactly sober anyway

And I often remember these words he used to say



Water is the strong stuff

It carries whales and ships

But water is the wrong stuff

Don't let it get past your lips

It rots your books

It wets your suits

Puts aches in all your bones

Dilute the stuff with whiskey

Aye, or leave it well alone



Chorus:

Whisky pure

O whisky you're

a charmer

Drunk or sober



Spare yourself contortions

With a drop of barley wine

A sensible precaution

To counteract the times

Brandy and rum are dandy for some

Wherever they might be sold

But a drop of mountain whisky

Isn't ot worth its weight in gold



Whisky, Nancy whisky

You're as sweet as the dew

I'm lonesome my darling

Since parting with you

Kiss me when you're with me

Be easy and free

and I'll throw away the bottle

and take you with me