C F C
In a little country village not very far away
D7 G7
There lived a rich but aged man whose hair was turning gray
C F C
He had three sons three only ones both Jack and Tom were sly
F C G7 C
But Ted was honest as could be he would not tell a lie
F C
The brothers tried to ruin Ted before the old man's eyes
D7 G7
At last the plot begin its work till Ted was much despised
C F C
The father then said be gone you're heartless to the core
F C G7 C
Then the black sheep's words they came just ringing through the door
F C
Don't be angry with me dad don't drive me from your door
D7 G7
I know that I've been wayward but I won't be anymore
C F C
Just give me one more chance and put me to the test
F C G7 C
You'll find the black sheep loves his dad far better than the rest
F C
Year by year sped quickly by the father who had now grown old
D7 G7
He called to them both Jack and Tom and gave them all his gold
C F C
I only need a little room a place at your fireside
F C G7 C
One night on Jack's returning home he brought with him a bride
F C
The three began to hate the father more and more each day
D7 G7
At last he heard the three declare why the old fool's in our way
C F C
They then agreed to send him to the poorhouse that was near
F C G7 C
Then like a flash the black sheep's words came ringing in his ear
F C
A wagon drives up to the door it is the poorhouse band
D7 G7
The brothers pointed to their dad right there is your man
C F C
Then a manly form appeared came rushing through the crowd
F C G7 C
Stop this you brutes the lad replied it shall not be allowed
F C
You've took the old man's property and all that he could save
D7 G7
You've even sold the little lot containing mother's grave
C F C
I am his son but not your kin from now till judgment day
F C G7 C
The father clasped the black sheep's hand and they all heard him say
F C
Don't be angry with me son I know I drove you from my door
D7 G7
I know that I've been foolish lad I've repented o'er and o'er
C F C
I should have given you my gold for you have stood the test
F C G7 C
I found the black sheep loves his dad for better than the rest