For convenience and easy comparison, I have taken the Frank Luther lyrics (which Joe Offer posted above) and reformatted them to match the Wendell Hall lyrics. I have also listened to the mp3 and corrected a couple of errors in the transcription (e.g. changed "as free" to "a spree," "as a tramp" to "as I tramp"), and I have boldfaced the words that are different between the two recordings.


WHO SAID I WAS A BUM?
Sung by Frank Luther (Edison Blue Amberol cylinder no. 5614, 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 of 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," and I don't like that remark.
  Who said I was a bum? Who said I was a bum?
I haven't worked in 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 'most 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 o' your face!"
  Who said I was a bum? Who said I was a bum?
I've been in every hospital that ever was built, by gum!
And every time they operate, they just cut out my rum.
  I know I'm a hobo, but who said I was a bum?

3. My coat is torn. My shoes are worn. There's holes in both my toes.
And what is worse, I always nurse a blossom on my nose.
And 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.
But I ain't got a worry, boys. Now what do you think of that?
There's nothing ever on my mind except my old straw hat.
  But who said I was a bum? Who said I was a bum?
Don't think I'm a lonesome guy because I look so glum.
I've got a lot of cooties and they keep me busy some.
  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 inside those Pullman cars. Some people call them freights.
I only eat one kind of food, just one, not any more.
I mean the kind of food they hand me out the kitchen door.
From coast to coast, no man can boast such popularity.
Wherever I stop, there is a cop who waits to welcome me.
  Well, who said I was a bum? Who said I was a bum?
I've been in all the finest jails beneath the shining sun.
Each time I face a judge, I'm gone for many months to come.
  I know I'm a hobo but who said I was a bum?

5. Now any place I hang my hat is "home, sweet home" to me.
Oh, how I love the man that wrote that sweet old melody!
Another song I'm wild about—it hit me way down deep—
A tune I'm always singing: "Please go 'way and let me sleep."
The millionaire is worried with a lot of bills to pay,
While all I have to worry about is whether I'll eat today.
  So who said I was a bum? Who said I was a bum?
Fifth Avenue and I are through. To me it's just a slum.
I'll tell you who I really am. I hope you'll keep it mum.
  I know I'm a hobo but who said I was a bum?