The Govan Paratrooper (Archie McLeod 1922-1994)

On a cold winters night down in Govan as you walk by the riverside.
You can still hear the ghosts of the shipyards that once stood so proud on the Clyde.
The noise of the riveters and welders, the hammering ever so loud, a voice can be heard in the distance, t’was the song of young Archie McLeod.
He had an eye for the ladies and a taste for the whiskey and beer.
On a Friday he’d spend all his wages and forsake all the ones he held dear.
As he walked from the bar in the darkness, he would sing his old paratroops song.
Reminiscing his times in the army and remember his comrades who’d gone.
Chorus
(Sung by Archie McLeod in 1940 aged 18)
Come stay by my side if you love me. Please don’t hasten to bid me adieu,
But remember the old parachutists and the job they are doing for you.
Oh come stand by your glass strong and steady, drink a toast to the men of the sky,
For here’s a toast to the men dead already and three cheers for the next man to die.
You don’t have to push me I’ll go,
That little red light told me so.
And when the old chute forsakes me, then the devil must take me,
You don’t have to push me I’ll go.

He would sing “I belang tae Glesga” as he staggered on his way home.
He never forgot his old hometown, wherever he’d wander or roam.
His latter years were spent in England and on the last night of his life.
He sang to all of the nurses, the way that he lived all his life.
Chorus
Instumental,(Red River Valley)

Instrumental finale( I belong to Glasgow)