O, Billy, you've come home, lad, drunk, drunk again; But you promised me last night you were going to abstain From intoxicating drink, but you did not tell me true. We're in the midst of poverty. Whatever shall we do?
CHORUS: My heart is nearly broken, and my hopes are all in vain. You said you'd sign teetotal, but you're drunk, drunk again.
O, Billy, I ne'er thought of this the day that we were wed, That I should hear my little ones crying out for bread; But oh! That cursed drink! Our home it has destroyed, Which makes me rue the day that I became your bride. CHORUS
O, Billy, you're a foolish man to drink in such a way, For a suit of black you used to wear upon the Sabbath-day; But now in rags and dirt with drunken reprobates you roam, Neglecting both your children and your once happy home. CHORUS
The other night you got so drunk that you could scarcely stand, And beat me 'cause I could not comply with your demand; And give you money for drink, and you knew that very day, I had to pawn my dress and shawl, the landlord for to pay.
FINAL CHORUS: So Willie dear, take my advice: from drinking do abstain. Look to your home and family and don't get drunk again.