Aw, when I was a little boy, mama, 'bout sixteen inches high
When I was a little boy, baby, 'bout sixteen inches high
I had a mean stepfather, Lord, he didn't want me to eat a bite
I got a mean stepfather, now, know you got a-one, too
I got a mean stepfather and I know you have one, too
And my Mother's dead and gone, nothin' in the world that he will do
Well, my Mother, she gone, and I hope she goin' to stay
Well, my Mother, she gone, hoo, Lord, and I hope she goin' to stay
I have mean stepfather, he done drove me 'way
When I was a little boy, Lord, my stepfather didn't 'low me around
When I was a little boy, mama, stepfather didn't 'low me around
He's a no-good weed, mama, and the cows won't mow him down
Well, poor Joe leavin' this mornin', my face is full of frowns
Well, I'm leavin' this mornin', face is full of frowns
I got a mean stepfather, my dear Mother, she don't 'low me around
That's all right, may be home someday
Ooh, Lord, Lord, mama, may be home someday
My mean stepfather is gwine give me a place to lay
I am, ma'am, a little boy, done cried all night long
Hoo, Lord, I'm a little boy, I cried the whole night long
My stepfather, he sweared, he done done me wrong
And 'fore I be dogged, mama, I leave my happy home
'Fore I be dogged now, baby, I leave my happy home
He's a no-good weed, well, he's done gone