[Chorus]
He said, "You're welcome with me, Johnny. And you're with a decent man."
But little I knew what I had to do for Grady of Stravan

[Verse 1]
As I went down to the Hiring Fair in a place they call the Strand
Twas there I hired for seven long years with Grady of Stravan
And before I went and hired with him, he was very nice to me
He promised me eggs and bacon, and he then shook hands with me

[Chorus]
Saying "You're welcome with me, Johnny. And you're with a decent man."
But little I knew what I had to do for Grady of Stravan

[Verse 2]
When I went up to my bed that night, I let out an awful bawl
For the fleas they made a fierce attack, and I got no sleep at all
When I came down for my breakfast, what do you think I see
But a dozen squawling children saying "Is there anything there for me?"

[Chorus]
He said, "You're welcome with me, Johnny. And you're with a decent man."
But little I knew what I had to do for Grady of Stravan

[Verse 3]
I worked on Grady's farm til I looked an awful sight
My bones were pushing through my skin, for I worked from morn til night
One day, I died and passed away, and Grady gave a grin
Saying "He'll make good fertilizer, and there's plenty more like him."
[Chorus]
Saying "You're welcome with me, Johnny. And you're with a decent man."
But little I knew what I had to do for Grady of Stravan