I Am a Lonesome Hobo

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 begging 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 judgement for yourself

Lest you wind up on his road.