Now I’ve had a hard life I been through two wives And I’ve lived where the rats run wild But now I’m much better and I’m writin’ this letter Just to tell you ‘bout your baby child
So Ma, I been busy and I know you’ve missed me So I’m writin’ this letter to you I knows it’s been ten years but save up those sad tears Mama let me tell ya whets new
Look at me I’m back on my feet Pulled myself right outa the street So glad to be back on my feet right now I’m gettin’ smiles from the people I meet
Wontcha tell me bout Dad now Is he still doin’ bad now Workin in the same drugstore Lookin’ for praise now Did he ever get that raise now He’s been waitin twenty years for
And poor brother Billy is he still so silly Livin with that girl crosstown Livin off her job I still love that poor slob Tell him someday I’ll be round
Look at me I’m back on my feet Pulled myself right outa the street So glad to be back on my feet right now I’m gettin’ smiles from the people I meet So glad to be back on my feet
Well I married this girl she was a rich girl Took her checkbook & a fountain pen Wrote my name so fast now Knew my luck couldn’t last now I wrote myself three years in the pen
So I prayed to the Saviour Got a year off for good behavior Read the Bible so I’d understand Now I’m workin’ steady & I’m married to Betty Doin’ my best to be her good lovin‘ man
Mama so long now I know I was wrong now Not to write in such a long long while But I’ll save some money and you won’t think it’s funny If I put you & Dad up in style
Look at me I’m back on my feet Pulled myself right outa the street So glad to be back on my feet right now I’m gettin’ smiles from the people I meet Don't have to worry bout nothin’ to eat Now doncha think it’s kinda neat Ya know I pulled myself right up by the seat Of my pants Look at me I’m back on my feet