Ah, when I was a bachelor young and airy, hearty was I and content
I married a wife for to lie by me which causes me for to lament
When I come home, wet and weary, it's wet and weary do I come
Me wife's in bed 'til after eleven and the longest day in the month of June

Well, the very first year me wife I married, scarce could I get one wink of sleep
For she rubbed me shins 'til the blood did trickle, saying, 'Husband dear put down your feet'
But when that I, asked her that question, it's 'Husband dear, now come, come, come'
Young women, you know, they must have pleasure, and a poor man's labour is never done

Well, the very next year me wife I married, she bore to me a loving son
And she sends me down for to rock the cradle and she gives me kisses when I'm done
And If he cries, she begs and bangs me and, if he roars, I'm the first for to run
Tis a way from the hardworking with me for Johnny Bridge and the poor man's labour is never done

Well, come all ye young men, I pray take warning, be sure you choose a loving wife
Aye, and don't take home my wife's mother or she'll plague you all your life
And don't take home my wife's sister or she'll plague you even more
Ah, come and take me wife with a welcome and then me troubles will be o'er