I'm a hard‑hearted papa : there's nothing pleases me
I've had to be good long enough : now I'm going to be mean as I can be

I don't even like what I drink : my food don't taste right at all
And a lowdown no‑good woman : is the cause of it all

When I tried to be soft and easy : people would not let me be
Now I'm just as mean and hateful : swear as I can be

I spent all of my money : showing my friends a great big time
Now they laugh and grin at me : because I ain't got a lousy dime

So I'm a hard‑hearted papa : I've done changed my ways
And I think they will stay changed : for the rest of my days