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User Name Thread Name Subject Posted
Tiger Lyr Req: I Don't Work for a Living (16) Lyr Add: I DON'T WORK FOR A LIVING 01 Apr 09


I learned this from my father-in-law about 45 years ago. He sang it all the time.

This is from the 'Blue Grass Roy' recording. BGR is the Edward Leroy Freeman mentioned earlier in the thread by Amos.

I Don't Work For A Living — Blue Grass Roy

They say we're all born for a purpose,
They say we're all born with a gift.
Now some people rise to be famous,
I suppose it's by hard work and thrift.
There's lots of us fighting and striving
For a seat in the White House, you see,
But I've got a seat in me trousers,
And the Missus to work for me:
    CHORUS 1
    I don't work for a living,
    I get along all right without.
    I don't toil all day,
    I suppose it because I'm not built that way
    Some people work for love
    And say it's all sunshine and gain,
    But if I can't get sunshine without any work,
    I think I'll stay out in the rain.
Now give me a nail and a hammer,
And a picture to hang on the wall,
And give me a strong stepladder,
You know that I might fall.
And give me a couple of waiters,
And a barrel of good old Bass Ale,
And I bet you I'll hang up that picture
If somebody drives a nail:
    CHORUS 1
I've got a pal I think the world of
We never agree, this is why
He says he's the laziest person
That he is more lazy than I
So we made a bet to decide it
I won without trying, you see
When he reached for the dough, I just whispered
"Put the bet in my pocket for me."
    CHORUS 2
    I don't work for a living,
    I get along all right without.
    I live peacefully,
    For labor disputes never worry me
    I love my family,
    And even my mother-in-law
    I decided to make them all happy, that's why
    I never go home any more.
Now I haven't got a red penny
The reason is I'm always broke
Of pawn tickets I haven't any
My wife's wash is all that's in soak
But I get my three square meals daily
And a place to sleep when it gets dark
If I can't find a bed in the alley
Then I'll find me a bench in the park.
    CHORUS 3
    I don't work for a living,
    I get along all right without.
    Work's not meant for me,
    Why, even the thought hurts my dignity
    My wife does all the work,
    She even puts out the ash-can
    But last night I got sore when the neighbors all yelled
    "Why don't you put out your old man?"


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