Poor Howard's dead and gone, left me here to sing his song
Poor Howard's dead and gone, left me here to sing his song

Poor Howard had a wife and she nagged him all his life
So he used his butcher knife---like I said he had a wife

Now poor Howard's dead and gone...

They took Howard off to jail, wouldn't let me go his bail
They said if he is your friend, buy a lily for his hand

Poor Howard's dead and gone...
When we laid his bones to rest we fulfilled his last request
He said buddies bury me far from her as I can be

Now poor Howard's dead and gone...

His last words were 'Friends, goodbye. Don't you worry; don't you cry
I don't mind this a gettin' hung, at least I stopped her naggin' tongue'

Now poor Howard's dead and gone...