[Verse 1]
Well, I used to be a poor boy just like you
Used to walk alone, boy, just like you
Gave my heart to sweet Mary and she told me the truth
Yes, I used to be a poor boy just like you
Yes, I used to be a poor boy just like you

[Chorus]
Listen to me now, children
Say “yes sir”, say “yes sir“, say “yes sir”
Listen to me now, listen to me now
A poor boy, a poor boy, a poor boy

[Verse 2]
Well, I used to be a poor boy as a matter of fact
My mama raised the children, yeah
A one room shack
Gave my heart to sweet Mary and she don’t give it back
Yes, I used to be a poor boy as a matter of fact
My mama raised the children in a one room shack

[Chorus]
Listen to me now, children
Say “yes sir”, say “yes sir“, say “yes sir”
Listen to me now, listen to me now
Poor boy, a poor boy, a poor boy
[Verse 3]
Well, I used to be a poor boy, livin’ in sin
But sinnin’ only led me to the shape I’m in
I gave my heart to Mary and she called me a good friend
Yes, I used to be a poor boy livin’ in sin
Well, I gave my heart to Mary and she called me a friend

[Chorus]
Listen to me now, children
Say “yes sir”, say “yes sir“, say “yes sir”
Listen to me now, listen to me now
Poor boy, a poor boy, a poor boy

(Play it, son
Alright now)

[Verse 4]
Now, I used to be a poor boy just like you
Used to walk alone, boy, just like you
Gave my heart to Mary and she told me the good truth
Yes, I used to be a poor boy just like you
Yes, I used to be a poor boy just like you

[Chorus]
Listen to me now, children
Say “yes sir”, say “yes sir“, say “yes sir”
Listen to me now, listen to me now