You can hear a recording by Wendell Hall at The Internet Archive. Here is my transcription. There are a few lines that differ from the version posted above. Also, to correctly represent the pattern of repetitions and changes in the tune, the song must be arranged in 10-line stanzas, thus:


WHO SAID I WAS A BUM?
As sung by Wendell Hall, 1928

1. I've traveled east. I've traveled west. I've been in ev'ry state,
A member of the Knights of Rest with dues paid up to date.
There's just two things that I despise, two things I always shirk:
The first thing is a cake o' soap. The other one is work.
My life to me is just a spree. I'm always on a lark.
Somebody said, "You're just a bum." I don't like that remark.
  Who said I was a bum? Who said I was a bum?
I haven't worked for twenty years. I guess I'm not so dumb.
And as I tramp along the road, the people hear me hum.
  I know I'm a hobo, but who said I was a bum?

2. I must admit I never fit in any job and say:
Whenever I see a pile o' wood, I look the other way.
I haven't shaved in many a year. I really am afraid,
Because I fear my wire beard would break the razor blade.
The other day while on my way, a cop gave me a chase.
I thought I heard him holler, "Take that mattress off your face!"
  Who said I was a bum? Who said I was a bum?
I'm just an easy-goin' guy and things are easy come.
I bum a nickel now and then to keep me full o' rum.
  I know I'm a hobo, but who said I was a bum?

3. My coat is worn. My shoes are torn. There's holes in both my toes.
And what is worse, I always nurse a blossom on my nose.
With a glance, you'll see my pants are baggy at the knees.
They're worn so thin, I feel the wind blow through my BVDs.
Now they ain't nothin' worries me. I'm mighty glad o' that.
There's never nothin' on my mind except a dirty hat.
  Who said I was a bum? Who said I was a bum?
Don't think that I'm a lonesome guy because I look so glum.
I've got a lot o' cootie friends that keep me on the hum.
  I know I'm a hobo, but who said I was a bum?

4. I travel in the best o' style no matter what the rates.
I ride the rods on Pullman cars. Sometimes I ride the freights.
I always eat the finest food. I always ask for more.
I mean the kind o' food they hand me out the kitchen door.
From coast to coast, no bum can boast such popularity.
Wherever I stop, I find a cop that's waitin' to welcome me.
  Who said I was a bum? Who said I was a bum?
I've been thrown in many a jail. They've thrown me out o' some.
I never work, I never want, and I never will, by gum.
  I know I'm a hobo, but who said I was a bum?