Stern Old Bachelor is a traditional song related to the 1860 song, "I'm a Jolly Bachelor." The Carters 1938 version is possibly based on Chubby Parker's versions titled "I'm A Stern Old Bachelor;" he recorded the song three times, first in 1927.

Stern Old Bachelor first referenced in print in the 1887 newspaper "Dighton Republic" in Kansas.

STERN OLD BACHELOR- Carter Family 1938

I am a stern old bachelor, my age is 44
I do declare I'll never live with women anymore
I have a stove that's worth 10 cents, a table worth 15
I cook my gruel in oyster cans and keep my things so clean

    Oh, little sod shanty
    Little sod shanty give to me
    For I'm a stern old bachelor
    From matrimony free
    [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

When I come home at night, I smile and walk right in
I never hear a voice shout out, I say, where have you been
On a cold and stormy night, in my cozy little shack
I sing my songs and think my thoughts with no one to talk back
    Oh, little sod shanty
    Little sod shanty give to me
    For I'm a stern old bachelor
    From matrimony free
    [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

I go to bed whene'er I please and get up just the same
I change my socks three times a year with no one to complain
At night when I'm in peaceful sleep my snores can do no harm
I never have to walk the floor with a baby in my arms

    Oh, little sod shanty
    Little sod shanty give to me
    For I'm a stern old bachelor
    From matrimony free
    [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

And when I die and go heaven as all good bachelors do
I will not have to grieve for fear my wife will get there, too
    Oh, little sod shanty
    Little sod shanty give to me
    For I'm a stern old bachelor
    From matrimony free