Discover the story of the song > Tell Old Bill – Dave Van Ronk

The song is about a man named Bill who leaves his home twice, once in the morning and once in the evening. The protagonist warns Bill to stay away from the girls in town. Later in the song, Bill's partner finds out he has died and is upset because he had just left the house. They bring Bill's body home and he is described as being very tired. The protagonist repeats their warning to Bill to stay away from the girls in town.