1. I drank sixteen doubles for the price of one

trying to find the courage to talk to the one

I asked her for a dance, not a second glance

My night had just begun

Well, I drink to the father or the holy ghost

I'm kneeling at the altar of me nightly post

So I'll raise a glass, not the first nor last,

come join me in this toast

R: Because the old black rum's got a hold on me

Like a dog wrapped round my leg

and the old black rum's got a hold on me

will I live for another day, hey!

Will I live for another day

2. Well,the queen of George street just a walking on by

walking on by with some guy who don't care

that she stood in line, since half past nine,

and spent three hours on her hair (on her hair!)

Her friend is looking at me with an evil grin,

I think the bloody racket might soon begin,

I must've said something, to the George street queen

the boys are joining in...

R: Because the old black...

3. So I drank all my money and I slept out in the rain

every day is different but the nights they're all the same

You never see the sun, on the old black rum,

but you know I'm gonna do it again (again!)

R: Because the old black... (2x)

4. I drank sixteen doubles for the price of one

trying to find the courage to talk to the one

I asked her for a dance, not a second glance

my night had just begun...

R. Because the old black rum's got a hold on me

like a dog wrapped round my leg

and the old black rum's got a hold on me

will I live for another day, hey!

will I live for another day...