All my life I been poor boy son,
Scratchin' for my meat
I have been kicked in my teeth,
Till the blood run hot and sweet

I seen a lot of living my friend,
And this I will repeat,
Just because you knock a man down
Don't mean that you got hime beat

It's a shame, shame, shame
Baby it's a cryin' shame

Henry nearly killed me,
'Fore they hauled his ass in jail
Slapped me right across my face
With a flour sack full o' nails

Nearly broke my head in two
With his steel-toed boots
Shovin' all that money
Down the laundry chute

It's a shame, shame, shame
Baby it's a cryin' shame

Well, sweet little Mary Anne
With her make-up all a mess,
Picks herself up off the floor
Coughs and straightens her dress

Sayin' please, please daddy, can I
Have just a little bit more
I said sorry baby, but I'm headin' out
Somehow this town don't
feel like home anymore

It's a shame, shame, shame
Baby it's a cryin' shame

I've seen a lot of living my friend,
And this I will repeat
Just because you knock a man down
Don't mean you got him beat