Boys, I've shaven my knuckled head, For to cushion my pillow case.
Boys, I've traded the laces of my boots, And for 'em I got an ol' spoon.
Now to get some food.
Boys, I have sold off my last buttons of brass, They got me a loaf of bread.
Now to make it last.
Every night I sing all the boys to sleep, In the night's dark war.
Hard boys, join me...weep.
Boys, I've got none of nothin' left to trade. So I cut off my ear and went to the gate. The unsmiling guards in their buffalo voices said, "We need more." I severed my left hand. I pulled all my teeth. I left on my right hand to wield my piece.
I disconnected my testicles, Gave 'em to the prison guards, But the guards said, "We need more."