The Old Man (White Christmas)

The Old Man is a song that, along with the famed title song, bookends the start and finish of the Christmas film White Christmas. It is composed and staged by two of the men under the command of General Thomas Waverly in World War Two, showmen Bob Wallace and Phil Davis. As the General is sent back stateside, all the men sing it in devotion to their hard-boiled but beloved commanding officer.

As the film reaches its finale, the General, who has come upon hard times financially and is feeling irrelevant. Bob and Phil reassemble as many of their old comrades as they can, and they surprise the general with a full-throated reprise. This not only helps save the General's hotel, but lifts his spirits and drives him to tears, just as a small miracle outdoes the showmen. The first time, it was sung on the battlefront in the European War Theatre, the second time in the dinner theater of the General's hotel. Irving Berlin, who wrote the title Christmas classic, also wrote this song. The men sing some of the verses repeatedly, making the song's run time a bit longer than the lyrics would imply.

Lyrics
We'll follow the old man wherever he wants to go Long as he wants to go opposite to the foe

We'll stay with the old man wherever he wants to stay Long as he stays away from the battle's fray

Because we love him, we love him Especially when he keeps us on the ball

And we'll tell the kiddies we answered duty's call

With the grandest son of a soldier of them all