Well, it's hard. ain't it hard? ain't it hard (oh, yes) to love one who never did love you.
Well, it's hard. ain't it hard? ain't it hard, great god, to love one who never did love you?

Well, there is a house in this old town. that's where my true love lays around.
She sits down upon another's knee (do tell) and tells him what she never will tell me.

The first time i seen my true love she was a-standin' by my door,
And the last time i seen her false-hearted smile, she was dead on that bar room floor! (poor girl!)

Well, who's gonna kiss your ruby lips? (not you, sweetie!) who's gonna hold your little hand? (hand?)
Who's gonna do, well, you know what, when i'm down in that promised land? (i will!)

Well, don't go drinkin' and gamblin'. don't go there your sorrows for to drown.
This hard liquor place is a low-down disgrace. it's the meanest damn place in this town!