There was an old man, and he lived near Hell
[Whistle]
He had a little farm and upon it did dwell
Sing, hi, a-rattle-ding-day

Oh, the Devil come to him one day at his plow
[Whistle]
"There's one in your family I have to have now"
Sing, hi, a-rattle-ding-day

"Oh, it's neither your son nor your daughter I crave"
[Whistle]
"It's your old scolding wife, and it's her I must have"
Sing, hi, a-rattle-ding-day

So he hobbest her up all on his back
[Whistle]
And like a bold peddler, went a-packin' his pack
Sing, hi, a-rattle-ding-day

As they drew near the high gates of Hell
[Whistle]
Sang, "Rake back the coals, boys, and we'll roast her well"
Sing, hi, a-rattle-ding-day

Oh, two little devils come rattlin' their chains
[Whistle]
She hauled back her cudgel and knocked out their brains
Sing, hi, a-rattle-ding-day
Two more little devils peeped over the wall
[Whistle]
Said, "Take her back Daddy, or she'll kill us all"
Sing, hi, a-rattle-ding-day

So he hobbest her up all his back
[Whistle]
And like a bold peddler, went a-packin' her back
Sing, hi, a-rattle-ding-day

"Here's your old scoldin' wife, and it's her I won't have"
[Whistle]
"She hain't fit for Heaven, she shain't stay in Hell"
Sing, hi, a-rattle-ding-day

Oh, it's seven years goin', and seven a-comin' back
[Whistle]
She called for the 'baccer she left in the crack
Sing, hi, a-rattle-ding-day

Oh, the women they are so much better than men
[Whistle]
When they go to Hell, they get sent back again
Sing, hi, a-rattle-ding-day