Well I am a lonesome hobo Without family or friends Where another man's life it might begin That's exactly where mine ends I have tried my hand at bribery Blackmail and deceit And I've served time for everything Except begging on the street Once I was rather prosperous There was nothing I did lack I had fourteen-carat gold in my mouth I had 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 I would like to 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