There once was a musical troop a pickin' singin' folk group
They sang the mountain ballads and the folk songs of our land
They were long on musical ability folks thought they would go far
But political incompatibility led to their downfall

Well the one on the right was on the left
And the one on the middle was on the right
And the one on the left was in the middle
And the guy in the rear was a baptist

This musical aggregation toured the entire nation
Singing traditinal ballads and the folk songs of our land
They performed with great virtuosity and soon they were the rage
But political animosity prevailed upon the stage

Well the one on the right was on the left
And the one in the middle was on the right
And the one on the left was in the middle
And the guy in the rear burned his driver's licence

The curtain had ascended a hush fell on the crowd
As thousand there were gathered to hear the folk songs of our land
But they took their politics seriously and that night at the concert hall
As the audience watched deliriously they had a free for all

Well the one on the right was on the bottom
And the one in the middle was on the top
And the one on the left got a broken arm
And the guy in the rear said oh dear

Now this should be a lesson if you plan to start a folk group
Don't go mixing politics with the folk songs of our land
Just work on harmony and diction play your banjo well
And if you have politicial convictions keep 'em to yourself

Now the one on the left works in the bank
And the one in the middle drives a truck
The one on the right's an all night DJ
And the guy in the rear got drafted