A Gas Man’s Lament

I wrote this song with my husband for my dad in the 80’s during the gas crisis. He was a Phillips 66 dealer.

My name is Dale Keith
A gas man I am
I work all day long
But who gives a damn.
I have 4 lovely children
And a Norwegian wife.
She keeps me well fed
She’s the joy of my life.

Refrain:
Oh petroleum, petroleum
The most beautiful word that
I ever heard is petroleum
Petroleum, petroleum is a gas!

I owned a gas station on the
East side of town.
Twas the busiest station
For miles around.
There were Cadillacs and Buicks
All over the place
now Toyotas And Datsuns
have taken their place.

Refrain:
Oh petroleum, petroleum
The most beautiful word that
I ever heard is petroleum
Petroleum, petroleum is a gas!

Now if you are thinking that
I might regret
This business of mine
Well don’t you fret.
I’ve been through some good times
And I’ve had some bad.
But I’m still making money
And that’s why I am glad for…

Refrain:
Oh petroleum, petroleum
The most beautiful word that
I ever heard is petroleum
Petroleum, petroleum is a gas!

Reviews

[apennylate]

I am quite the savant of entry level jobs...
As my wayfaring spirit, and lack of a desire for stability, has lead me down an interesting path wrought with retail and service experience.
Love the rhyming, and I love me some good ol' love.
It is not up to others to standardize our recognition of value and beauty, but it is up to us, to decide our own values.
One person's trash is another's treasure.
Well written...

[Dara]

Thank you! Both of my brothers first jobs were working in one of my dad’s gas stations as an attendant. They learned great deal about good work ethics and life in general. :-)

[Betty Hermelee]

Dear Dara
It does not matter what trade you are in, as long as life is treating you well… we cannot judge other other people’s jobs… not all of us can make tons of money, but as you can pay the rent ant food on the table, that ‘s what counts… lovely ballad!
Warmly
B🌷

[Dara]

It’s true. My dad did not have a college degree but he was smart and resilient. How they managed to raise four children with one income is hard to fathom now but those were different times back then. So great to see you here again. Your reviews are always so special.

[Betty Hermelee]

a lovely comment Dara, and you are very welcome!
Warmly, B

[emmajoygreen]

Wonderful, wonderful! What an ingenuous can of bonny words, what a singsong we could have over a cuppa tea |(really?!) Your song is a gas start to finish, Dara! Could I please come to your next party!

[Dara]

Thank you Emma! What a lovely thought, a singsong over a cuppa. Your review gave me the biggest smile. It’s always great to see you here! Take care dear friend.

[emmajoygreen]

Waving between a brief pause. :)