Lyrics:

Back when I was young and gay, in the fledgling of my prime
Back then, when I blew through all my time
You met me like a gurgling spring
And I a stream nearby
Hardly even noticing it passing
I'd court the fairest far and wide
I'd walk the hills and ridges
I met them in their parlor rooms a-fancy
I'd drink and swarp, swarp and spark
Through all the towns I'd ride
And went about a tomcat and a dandy

From Catlettsburg to Bluefield, boys

I've seen and had a time
I gave my all and took my pleasures randy
Toe to toe, cheek to cheek
And waltz on a switchblade knife
I went about a tomcat and a dandy

When the curtain falls on the part I play
Too soon for the ones that knowed me
Raise a toast and toss me roses from the balcony
Let the thorn and flower and the warm applause
Be right and proper eulogy
Not a dry eye 'mongst the tomcats and the dandies