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
Then it's 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 and 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 McKinnon
(Which is a detox unit)
He confessed to me he'd been doin' it hard
That's the third generation
Looked just 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
This song is for Marcus McKenzie
Barry's boy, who died of an overdose
Linda Kable whose bravery breaks the cycle
The men and women of the streets of Sydney
Somewhere in the narrative lies your own tale
And the work of Missionbeat