Lyrics:

[Fagin (spoken)]
You see, Oliver...

[sung] In this life, one thing counts
In the bank, large amounts
I'm afraid these don't grow on trees
You've got to pick-a-pocket or two

You've got to pick-a-pocket or two, boys
You've got to pick-a-pocket or two

[Boys]
Large amounts don't grow on trees
You've got to pick-a-pocket or two

[Fagin (spoken)]
Let's show Oliver how it's done, shall we, my dears?

[sung] Why should we break our backs
Stupidly paying tax?
Better get some untaxed income
Better to pick-a-pocket or two

You've got to pick-a-pocket or two, boys
You've got to pick-a-pocket or two

[Boys]
Why should we all break our backs?
Better pick-a-pocket or two

[Fagin (spoken)]
Who says crime doesn't pay?

[sung] Robin Hood, what a crook!
Gave away, what he took
Charity's fine, subscribe to mine
Get out and pick-a-pocket or two

You've got to pick-a-pocket or two, boys
You've got to pick-a-pocket or two

[Boys]
Robin Hood was far too good
He had to pick-a-pocket or two

[Fagin]
Take a tip from Bill Sikes
He can whip what he likes
I recall, he started small
He had to pick-a-pocket or two

You've got to pick-a-pocket or two, boys
You've got to pick-a-pocket or two

[Boys]
We can be like old Bill Sikes
If we pick-a-pocket or two

[Fagin (spoken)]
Stop thief!

Dear old gent passing by
Something nice takes his eye
Everything's clear, attack the rear
Get in and pick-a-pocket or two

You've got to pick-a-pocket or two, boys
You've got to pick-a-pocket or two

[Boys]
Have no fear, attack the rear
Get in and pick-a-pocket or two

[Fagin]
When I see someone rich
Both my thumbs start to itch
Only to find some peace of mind
We have to pick-a-pocket or two

You've got to pick-a-pocket or two, boys
You've got to pick-a-pocket or two

[Boys]
Just to find some peace of mind

[Fagin and boys]
We have to pick-a-pocket or two!