Story behind the song
This is a song about an old homeless guy (hobo) that lived in the woods near our town. When we were little kids we would sneak in the woods around his place to see if he was there, sometimes he would chase us away. He was sort of like an icon in our town. One time the carnival came to town and they had a bear in a cage and if you were brave enough you could wrestle it and if you lasted so many minutes you would win money. Well. I remember watching Paul beat the bear, he was a tough old guy. Sad thing is, he died alone.
Lyrics
Old Paul Beers he lived up on the hill
We used to think he was made of steel
You better not ever sneak around his shack
Cause you just might not never be coming back
He's a tough old man living his life alone
He had a shopping cart and some plywood for a home
He never had a job but he'll tell you he's retired
You can smell him cooking his supper on the fire.
CHORUS:
Old Paul Beers you're family's dead and gone
Now you're living out your life just being tough and strong
You never had no one to love, never had no one to hold
Old Paul Beers you're dying alone.
When you were young you went off to fight the war
You thought that you'd help even up the score
Helped your country win then you moved back to town
They made you mad when they didn't want you around
So you moved into the woods to be by yourself
Couldn't count on any people in your town for help
So you collected your cans while they said you're just a bum
Didn't care cause it bought you your whiskey and your rum
CHORUS