THE HEARSE SONG (from Silber)

Did you ever think as a hearse rolls by,
That sooner or later you’re going to die,
With your boots a-swingin’ from the back of a roan,
And the undertaker inscribin’ your stone?

They’ll take you out and lower you down,
And men with shovels will stand around;
They’ll shovel in dirt and they’ll throw in rocks,
And they won't give a damn if they break the box.

Oh, the worms crawl in, the worms crawl out,
They do right dress and they turn about;
Then each one takes a bite or two
Of what Washington used to call you.

Oh, your eyes drop out, and your teeth fall in,
And the worms crawl over your mouth and chin;
They bring all their friends, and their friends’ friends, too,
And you’re chewed all to hell
When they’re through with you.

           G
  Did you ever think as a hearse rolls by,
                               D7
  That sooner or later you’re going to die,
             G
  With your boots a-swingin’ from the back of a roan,
                         D7            G
  And the undertaker inscribin’ your stone?

Source: page 242, The Folksinger's wordbook Compiled and edited by Fred & Irwin Silber (Oak Publications, 1973)