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 everything '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