Back when I was young and gay, in the fledglin' of my primeBack then, when I blew through all my timeYou met me like a gurglin' spring, and I a stream nearbyHardly even noticin' it passin'I'd court the fairest far and wide, I'd walk the hills and ridgesI met them in their parlor rooms a-fancyI'd drink and sworp, sworp and spark through all the towns I'd rideAnd went about a tomcat and a dandyFrom Catlettsburg to Bluefield, boys, I've seen and had a timeI gave my all and took my pleasures randyToe to toe, cheek to cheek, and waltz on a switchblade knifeI went about a tomcat and a dandyWhen the curtain falls on the part I play too soon for the ones that know'd meRaise a toast and toss me roses from the balconyLet the thorn and flower and the warm applause be right and proper eulogyNot a dry eye 'mongst the tomcats and the dandies
