Cat. #0026 (MFH #22) - As sung by Fred High, High, Arkansas on February 12, 1958
VERSE 1
When I was a young boy, my fortune was not great
I married me a rich widow with a very large estate
With drinking and gambling I soon spent all her store
But now, I'll be a good boy an' do so no more
VERSE 2
A many a fine race horse, I've stolen in my time
A many a fine race mare, I've stolen in 'er prime
I've stoled them from the rich and I've give them to the poor
But now, I'll be a good boy an' do so no more
VERSE 3
I have a rich old uncle who lives back in th west
He heard of my misfortunes, until he could not rest
He come straight a-towards me an' paid off all my store
But now I'll be a good boy and do so no more
VERSE 4
Sister Sarry an' Mary an' Marthy likewise
My bad con-ter-ductions has brought tears to their eyes
My foot-step at midnight which make th tavern's roar
But now I'll be a good boy and do so no more
VERSE 5
My Father upholds me an' all th rest of my kin
Th jail house door stands open for me to walk in
The jail house is bad boys, I've heard them say before
But now I'll be a good boy and do so no more
VERSE 6
Now, I'll go back to my old count-ry an' marry me a wife
And work to montain her, all th balance of my life
Yes, I'll work to montain her and spend it all in store
But now I'll be a good boy and do so no more