I am a lonesome hobo Without family or friends Where another man’s life might begin That’s exactly where mine ends I have tried my hand at bribery Blackmail and deceit And I’ve served time for ev’rything ’Cept beggin’ on the street
Well, once I was rather prosperous There was nothing I did lack I had fourteen-karat gold in my mouth And silk upon my back But I did not trust my brother I carried him to blame Which led me to my fatal doom To wander off in shame
Kind ladies and kind gentlemen Soon I will be gone But let me just warn you all Before I do pass on Stay free from petty jealousies Live by no man’s code And hold your judgment for yourself Lest you wind up on this road