Another day, another job, another life at large
The first week I was introduced to the man in charge
He moved a little shaky and his eyes were bloodshot red
but whoever named him iron man hit the nail right on the head
-guitar interlude-
You know what they say, a company man is a company's best friend
Smitty volunteered for overtime on his weekends
Saved most all his money, he knew it wouldn't go far
and when all the shoptalk got him down, he'd stop off at the bar

He'd make it in the next day despite that aching in his head
and sick leave saved enough to spend the next whole year in bed
Retirement day's long passed him by but he's still workin' on
still saving for the future but that's long, long lost

The first time that I called in sick, Smitty had his doubts
Refused overtime and we both knew he had me figured out
but Smitty's wife could tell you how those hours slip away
while Smitty worked to save enough for countless rainy days

Production stats are down and you can blame the bureaucracy
The big shots take it out on Smitty, he takes it out on me
He gladly takes the hassle for such sweet prosperity
but he can't take that with him to the land of the free

Smitty was right but it didn't do him no good
He knew all along that I didn't belong in his neighborhood
now if I was an iron man well I just might
but overtime isn't worth one dime tonight

oh Smitty
are you still here?
all of the sudden it's already 40 long years
and one long night
Smitty, you were right

Smitty always tried so hard to throw in his two cents
but kids not half his age went further on thru management
Many friends have come and gone, where are they all now?
Smitty knew he'd get by somehow

Still lookin' at the little girls, you know he's goin nowhere
His mortgage paid, his fortune made, he'd say he doesn't care
Me I think that Smitty's life has been more than unfair
but carve it in the building walls yes ironman was there, ironman was there


Different rules for different fools in the school of hard knocks
One good turn leads to one good burn and you learn to fly with the flock
Instead of taking your time my friend, I think you better take stock
Can you hear the drums, your time has come to hit off that clock

Smitty was right
(He did what he could, didn't do him much good)

He knew all along that I didn't belong in his neighborhood
(I didn't belong and I never would)

now if I was an iron man well I just might
(Gehrig is gone, but Cal Ripken lives on)

but overtime isn't worth one dime tonight
('cept your money was time, and your fortune is gone)