This is a rockabilly song with very spare instrumentation. It really reminds you how rock had its roots in country. This is my transcription from YouTube—see Joe's link.


OLD DEACON JONES
As recorded by Andy Starr, 1956.

1. I know an old fella lives down by the track.
He used to have more dough than you could put in a sack.
He had more friends; it was a sight to behold,
But they were after his money through his heart of gold.

CHORUS: Well, old Deacon Jones he had a heart of gold.
He had a heart of gold; he had a heart of gold.
Well, old Deacon Jones he had a heart of gold,
But his silver ran out too soon. – Yeah!

2. Now he sits in his cabin and he's all alone.
His friends like his money have all faded and gone.
They stayed in the boat while he was riding high,
But when he hit on the sand they left him high and dry. CHORUS

3. If you've a friend and no money, don't you worry or cry,
'Cause friendship is something that-a money can't buy.
You're not just a poor boy; you're as rich a king,
'Cause a friend when you need him is a wonderful thing. CHORUS