The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
Hang around, Willie Boy
Don't you raise the sails anymore
It's for sure, I've spent my whole life at sea
And I'm pushin' age seventy-three
Now there's only one place that was meant for me
Oh, to be home again
Down in old Virginny
With my very best friend
They call him Ragtime Willie
We're gonna soothe away the rest of our years
We're gonna put away all of our tears
That big rockin' chair won't go nowhere
Slow down, Willie boy
Your heart's gonna give right out on you
It's true, and I believe I know what we should do
Turn the stern and point to shore
These seven seas won't carry us no more
Oh, to be home again
Down in old Virginny
With my very best friend
They call him Ragtime Willie
I can't wait to sniff that air
Dip'n snuff, I won't have no care
That big rockin' chair won't go nowhere
Hear the sound, Willie boy
The Flyin' Dutchman's on the reef
It's my belief
We've used up all our time
This hill's to steep to climb
And the days that remain ain't worth a dime
Oh, to be home again
Down in old Virginny
With my very best friend
They call him Ragtime Willie
Woulda been nice just to see the folks
Listen once again to the stale jokes
That big rockin' chair won't go nowhere
I can hear something calling on me
And you know where I want to be
Oh, Willie, don't you hear that sound? (to be home again)
(Down in old Virginny)
I just want to (oh to be home again)
Get my feet back on the ground
(Down in old Virginny)
I'd love to see my very best friend (he's my very best friend)
They call him Rag-time Willie
I believe old rockin' chair's got me (oh, to be home again)
Don't you raise the sails anymore
It's for sure, I've spent my whole life at sea
And I'm pushin' age seventy-three
Now there's only one place that was meant for me
Oh, to be home again
Down in old Virginny
With my very best friend
They call him Ragtime Willie
We're gonna soothe away the rest of our years
We're gonna put away all of our tears
That big rockin' chair won't go nowhere
Slow down, Willie boy
Your heart's gonna give right out on you
It's true, and I believe I know what we should do
Turn the stern and point to shore
These seven seas won't carry us no more
Oh, to be home again
Down in old Virginny
With my very best friend
They call him Ragtime Willie
I can't wait to sniff that air
Dip'n snuff, I won't have no care
That big rockin' chair won't go nowhere
Hear the sound, Willie boy
The Flyin' Dutchman's on the reef
It's my belief
We've used up all our time
This hill's to steep to climb
And the days that remain ain't worth a dime
Oh, to be home again
Down in old Virginny
With my very best friend
They call him Ragtime Willie
Woulda been nice just to see the folks
Listen once again to the stale jokes
That big rockin' chair won't go nowhere
I can hear something calling on me
And you know where I want to be
Oh, Willie, don't you hear that sound? (to be home again)
(Down in old Virginny)
I just want to (oh to be home again)
Get my feet back on the ground
(Down in old Virginny)
I'd love to see my very best friend (he's my very best friend)
They call him Rag-time Willie
I believe old rockin' chair's got me (oh, to be home again)
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Great song, There is a good reason why they were called: The Band. They just knew how to play classic songs. The new tribute album is good, but nothing beats the original. Well maybe from the last waltz, but that's the only better version.