Boys, I've shaven my knuckled head,
For to cushion my pillow case.
Boys, I've traded the laces of my boots,
And for 'em I got an ol' spoon.
Now to get some food.
Boys, I have sold off my last buttons of brass,
They got me a loaf of bread.
Now to make it last.
Every night I sing all the boys to sleep,
In the night's dark war.
Hard boys, join me…weep.
Boys, I've got none of
Nothin' left to trade.
So I cut off my ear and went to the gate.
The unsmiling guards in their buffalo voices said,
«We need more.»
I severed my left hand.
I pulled all my teeth.
I left on my right hand to wield my piece.
I disconnected my testicles,
Gave 'em to the prison guards,
But the guards said,
«We need more.»
Hang all my belongings on a one-inch nail.