There seem to be a lot of versions of this song in circulation, and some of the attributions. I personally verified these by listening to the recording. Puckett mumbled a bit on the last line of part B, so that part is questionable, but I'm reasonably certain of the rest. I notice that line doesn't rhyme with anything either. Did Puckett mess it up?


RAGGED BUT RIGHT
As recorded by Riley Puckett, 1934.

[A] I come here to tell you people I'm ragged but right.
I'm a thief and a gambler; I get drunk ev'ry night.
Get a porterhouse steak three times a day for my board.
That's more than any loafer in this town can afford.
Big 'lectric fan to keep me cool while I sleep,
A little baby girl to play around at my feet.
I'm a rambling gambler and I'm drunk ev'ry night.
I tell you, boys, I'm ragged but right.

[B] I go ev'rywhere.
I don't pay no fare.
I can ride a freight train just anywhere.
If I win or lose,
I don't get no blues.
Lord, it's gamblin' and rollin' for me.

[REPEAT PART A TWICE.]