Here's a song whose origins date to before WW1 and is claimed to be written by Harry McClintock. There are dozens of verses to this song. The best choice of verses and arraingement that I've heard was sung by Lew Dite (search Youtube for his many videos)... I've copied the verse here:Oh, why don't you work like other men do?How can I work when the sky is so blue?CHORUS:Hallelujah, I'm a bum,Hallelujah, bum again,Hallelujah, give us a handoutAnd revive us again.Well, I don't like work. Work don't like me.That is the reason that I am so hungry.(Chorus)I went to a house, knocked on the door;Lady said, "Scram, bum. You've been here before."(Chorus)I went to a store, I asked for some bread;Man he came out, says, "The baker is dead."(Chorus)I went by a bar. Heard someone snore.I found the bartender asleep on the floor.(Chorus)Well, I took a drink. I didn't pay.Policeman he came and he took me away.(Chorus)The next day in court while still in a haze.The judge looked at me and he said "30 days".(Chorus)We'll hop the fast freights, ride the fast mailsWhen its cold in the winter we'll sleep in the jails.(Chorus)When springtime has come, oh won't we have fun,We'll get out of jail and we'll go on the bum.(Chorus)
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