I was talkin' to my bride to be to see what she expects of me
It's wise to talk it out before you sign the dotted line
I told her just to ask me plain to come right out with pertinent things
She begin and started out just fine

(Can you keep food on the table) yes I can
(Can you fix a broken washer) you bet I can
(Can you cheer me when I'm lonely love me and me only)
Yes dear I can do that

(Can you help me with the dishes) just count on me
(Can you give me hugs and kisses) oh yeah
(Can you hush a cryin' baby and change a diaper maybe)
Yes dear I can do that

[ guitar ]
So far she'd acted mighty fair I'd dried the dishes I don't care
It's only right that every man should help out when he can
I think we should be democratic create peace and cut down static
I believe in doin' what I can

(Can mother move in with us) oh I guess so
(And my brothers and my sisters) well okay
(One thing in addition you must cut out your fishin')
Cut out my fishin' no dear I can't do that

I'll make a livin' with a grin and do repairs like all good men
Cheer you when you're lonely and love only you
I'll do the rest if you're my wife but I've been a fisherman all my life
And give it up my dear I just can't do

(Some husband you'd make with your scaly fish and your smelly bait
You'd be gone and I'd be home and I'd always wish I'd married a sensible man
Why a fisherman's widow I'd be well I've spoken my piece and you have to
Let's decide now what we're gonna do you insist on fishin' that's plain to see
And I suppose you can do without me)
Yes dear I can do that