Track 5 of the album Walking Tall · 2009
Pack the Van, Wave Goodbye
by Skatalite Joe & the Ginger Horns
“Packing up the van and leaving Mama's kettle behind. It's a happy tune with a lump in its throat.”
ska · driving ska · brass ska · 3:12
Lyrics
Boxes in the hallway stacked up to the sky Mama's got the kettle and a tear in her eye Bedroom walls are bare where the posters used to be Twenty years of mornings in the house that raised me Lift it up, lift it up Fill the van, fill the cup Pack the van, wave goodbye Hey! Wave goodbye! Horns are blowing and the street is bright Hey! Street is bright! Carry all the good things, leave the door ajar Home is not a place, it's wherever you are Pack the van, wave goodbye Hey! Wave goodbye! Doorframe marks in pencil, how I grew up tall Cricket ball still hiding in the garden wall Neighbour with a biscuit tin and a story to tell Every single corner knows me well Lift it up, lift it up Fill the van, fill the cup Pack the van, wave goodbye Hey! Wave goodbye! Horns are blowing and the street is bright Hey! Street is bright! Carry all the good things, leave the door ajar Home is not a place, it's wherever you are Pack the van, wave goodbye Hey! Wave goodbye! One last look at the apple tree Keys in my hand, and the road is free Dance on the pavement, dance on the stair Take the whole family everywhere Pack the van, wave goodbye Hey! Wave goodbye! Horns are blowing and the street is bright Hey! Street is bright! Carry all the good things, leave the door ajar Home is not a place, it's wherever you are Pack the van, wave goodbye Hey! Wave goodbye! Wave goodbye, wave goodbye Hey! Hey! Wave goodbye!