So I tried hard to be good, and do the things I should I give up everything that I enjoyed But if you slip a bit and your heart says, 'this is it' That's a necessary evil, my boy All my friends say I'm a fool and I won't break any rules Why all the saintly virtues I employ But if the slightest fling makes your soul begin to sing That's a necessary evil, my boy Well a man sometime has to sip a drink And cast his eyes on a lovely shape Then sometimes a wager desires If a man says he don't, he's not a man he's a liar So don't let yourself be sad If what looks good is bad Reach out accept the things that bring you joy And so you feel inclined, it will help to keep in mind That's a necessary evil, my boy For a man sometime has to sip of the grape Or cast his eye on a lovely shape And then sometimes a wager desire If a man says he don't, he's not a man he's a liar So don't let yourself be sad If what looks good is bad I'll reach out accept the things that bring you joy A man has got to live Even stealers make you give That's a necessary evil my boy