[Verse 1] Mum, I’m at the window Toast crumbs on my plate He pulls up in that old white van Like he’s never running late You laugh into your coffee Say, “Don’t be long, I’ll be fine” But every time that back gate clicks He’s lost for half an hour of mine [Chorus] Mum, why does the milko always stay so long? I just hear you talking, kettle boiling strong You say it’s “just the bottles,” but he’s here till the next birdsong Mum, why does the milko always stay so long? (so long, so long) [Verse 2] He walks in with that leather bag You’re smoothing down your dress He asks you how the garden is You’re laughing at his mess I’m tracing little circles In the butter on my knife Thinking, “Is this what grown-ups do When they’re tired of their life?” [Chorus] Mum, why does the milko always stay so long? You talk in quiet corners like a half-forgotten song You say it’s “just the bottles,” but the stories keep rolling on Mum, why does the milko always stay so long? (tell me, mum) [Bridge – Rap] Little kid eyes on the hallway light Door half open on a weekday night Hear low voices, a soft, slow sigh Clink of glass and a whispered “bye” Maybe he’s lonely, maybe you are too Maybe he remembers what you’ve been through Dad’s old jacket on the second-hand chair Milko’s boots by the back step there I’m just asking, Mum, is it right or wrong? Or is a long chat better than feeling gone? You ruffle my hair, say, “Life is strange, my son Sometimes you just talk till the talking’s done” [Chorus] Mum, why does the milko always stay so long? You say, “Some hearts need company to keep them strong” Maybe he brings more than bottles when the days feel wrong Mum, that’s why the milko always stays so long (so long, so long) [Outro – Half-Chorus] Now I’m grown, at my own back door Let the neighbours linger when their hearts feel sore Hear your voice in my head like a gentle song “Some folk just stay when the day’s too long”
