Rab's Last Wollen Testament Lyrics - Robin Williamson

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