He said, "You're welcome with me, Johnny. And you're
with a decent man."
But little I knew what I had to do for Grady of
Stravan.
As I went down to the Hiring Fair in a place they call
the Strand,
Twas there I hired for seven long years with Grady of
Stravan.
And before I went and hired with him, he was very nice
to me.
He promised me eggs and bacon, and he then shook hands
with me,
Saying "You're welcome with me, Johnny. And you're with
a decent man."
But little I knew what I had to do for Grady of
Stravan.
When I went up to my bed that night, I let out an awful
bawl.
For the fleas they made a fierce attack, and I got no
sleep at all.
When I came down for my breakfast, what do you think I
see,
But a dozen squawling children saying "Is there
anything there for me?"
He said, "You're welcome with me, Johnny. And you're
with a decent man."
But little I knew what I had to do for Grady of
Stravan.
I worked on Grady's farm til I looked an awful sight.
My bones were pushing through my skin, for I worked
from morn til night.
One day, I died and passed away, and Grady gave a grin,
Saying "He'll make good fertilizer, and there's plenty
more like him."
Saying "You're welcome with me, Johnny. And you're with
a decent man."
But little I knew what I had to do for Grady of Stravan
