It was Barry's dad that committed the deed
That mapped out the life young Barry would lead
Eagle on his chest, he'd roar at the wilderness
'Til the stars came out in his own head
Now he waits at the post office for delivery
Walks down to the Talbot just in time for tea
At least at the hostel, they won't steal your steaks
My name is Barry and I brought my own plate

Well he'd ride with me, spit on me
Take me on in Crown street
He crossed that road like a river

Painter and Docker, piss-head boxer
But a Rose of Australia was mad Barry
Dog in the moonlight
Gentleman when he was right
He just dropped dead in
The bottle shop of the Gaslight

Well he'd ride with me, spit on me
Take me on in Crown street
He crossed that road like a river

I met Barry's boy driving him to Mc Kinnon
He confessed to me he'd been doin' it hard
Looked like his dad, only braver
Well I might have helped him
If I could just give the drink away

Well he'd ride with me, spit on me
Take me on in Crown street
He crossed that road like a river

Well he'd ride with me, spit on me
Take me on in Crown street
He crossed that road like a river
Like a river
Like a river
He crossed that road like a river