Intro: E  A   E   B7  E   A   E   B7   E 

Verse 

  B7 
I met a nice old man today, oh, yes, oh 
                                E 
And he sure had a lot to say, a good long time ago 
     B7 
I've led a soldier's occupation, oh, yes, oh 
                                    E 
In every part of this big nation, a good long time ago 
     B7 
I've seen the world and roamed its places, oh, yes, oh 
                                         E 
I guess I've been in a million places, a good long time ago 

Verse 

              A                          E 
But there are times when soldiering gets lonely 
    B7                     E 
You long for friendly company 
            A                  E 
So when you find an unfamiliar city 
B7                                   E 
Here's advice that always worked for me 

Verse 

B7 
When your train gets into town, oh, yes, oh 
                                     E 
Just make a beeline for the pound, a good long time ago 
B7 
Don't just wander helter-skelter, oh, yes, oh 
                                   E 
Seek the nearest animal shelter, a good long time ago 

Verse 
              A                     E 
You soon will find the truest of companions 
  B7                             E 
A little dog can melt a heart of stone 
              A                        E 
Just when you think you're up a dreary canyon 
  B7                                  E 
A puppy's love can bring you close to home 

Verse 
B7 
Find a store and buy some twine, oh, yes, oh 
                                  E 
Now tie the doggie to the line, a good long time ago 
B7 
Thus prepared for any weather, oh, yes, oh 
                                   E 
Dog and man will stand together, a good long time ago 

Verse 
            A                           E 
For mothers warn their daughters of the dangers 
   B7                          E 
Of soldiers in their quest for girls 
A                     E 
Never, never speak to strangers 
  B7                           E 
Unless they're from the canine world 

Verse 
  B7 
A sweet young maid in passing by, oh, yes, oh 
                                  E 
Saw my smile but made no reply, a good long time ago 
    B7 
The puppy fixed his gaze upon her, oh, yes, oh 
                                      E 
Two steps more and she was a goner, a good long time ago 

Verse 
             A                        E 
The sands of time have swept away the heartaches 
    B7                          E 
The tears, the parting, and the pain 
           A                    E 
The little pup I gave her for a keepsake 
     B7                             E 
Will always remind me of what's-her-name (what's-her-name?)