TOM BOLYNN

Tom Bolynn was a Scotchman born,
His shoes worn out, his stockings torn,
His shirt was ragged, his Spencer thin,
"This is my best suit," said Tom Bolynn.

Chorus (repeat optional)
Tom Bolynn, Tom Bolynn, Tom Bolynn, Hi-ho!

Tom Bolynn had no breeches to wear,
He bought a sheepskin to make him a pair,
The flesh side out, the fur side in,
"They are charming and cool," said Tom Bolynn.
Chorus

Tom and his wife and his wife's mother
Got into one bed together;
The weather was cold, the sheets were thin,
I'll sleep in the middle," said Tom Bolynn.
Chorus

But his wife's mother said the very next day,
"You'll have to get another place to stay.
I can't lie awake and hear you snore.
You can't stay in my house any more."
Chorus

Tom got into a hollow tree,
And very contented seemed to be,
The wind did blow and the rain beat in,
"This is better than home," said Tom Bolynn.
Chorus

From "A Treasury of American Song" Downes and Seigmeister, 1940, 1943
pp. 36-37