Back when I was young and gay, in the fledglin’ of my prime
Back then when I blew through all my time
You met me like a gurglin’ spring, and I a stream nearby
Hardly even noticing it passing
I’d court the fairest far and wide, I’d walk the hills and ridges
I met them in their parlor rooms a-fancy
I’d drink and sworp, sworp and spark through all the towns I’d ride
And went about a tomcat and a dandy
From Catlettsburg to Bluefield, boys, I’ve seen and had a time
I gave my all and took my pleasures randy
Toe to toe, cheek to cheek, and waltz on a switchblade knife
I went about a tomcat and a dandy
When the curtain falls on the part I play too soon for the ones that know’d me
Raise a toast and toss me roses from the balcony
Let the thorn and flower and the warm applause be right and proper eulogy
Not a dry eye ‘mongst the tomcats and the dandies