[Chorus]
I say oh, misery
Shame and scandal in the family
Oh, misery
Shame and scandal in the family

[Verse 1]
Down in Trinidad there was a family
With much confusion, as you will see
A mama and a papa and a boy who was grown
He wanted to marry and have a wife of his own
He found a girl, she suited him nice
He went to his father to ask his advice
His father said: "Son, I have to say no
The girl is your sister, but your mama don't know"

[Chorus]
Oh, misery
Shame and scandal in the family
I say oh, misery
Shame and scandal in the family

[Verse 2]
Then a week went by and the summer came down
Soon the best girl on the island he found
He went to his papa to make it a date
His papa shook his head and to this he did say
"You can't marry that girl, I have to say no
'Cause the girl is your sister, but your mama don't know"
[Chorus]
Oh, misery
Shame and scandal in the family
I say oh, misery
It's shame and scandal in the family

[Verse 3]
He went to his mama, he covered his head
He told his mum what his father had said
His mother, she laughed, she said: "Go man, go
Your daddy ain't your daddy, but your daddy don't know"

[Chorus]
Oh, misery
It's shame and scandal in the family
Oh, misery
Shame and scandal in the family
I say oh, misery
Shame and scandal in the family
I say oh, misery
Shame and scandal in the family