[Verse 1]
Well, a hen can lay a golden egg but she still can't sing
A hen can lay a golden egg but she still can't sing
Well, the hen's alright but the harp is everything

[Verse 2]
When he's gunning for glory, a boy just won't be told
Gunning for glory, a boy just won't be told
I went up three times but it never was for the gold

[Chorus]
Oh, mama what's the matter now?
Oh, mama what's the matter now?
That old cow she wasn't milking anyhow

[Verse 3]
After the beanstalk, your life's not the same
After the beanstalk, your life's not the same
Well the harp's worth more than any fortune and fame

[Chorus]
Oh, mama what's the matter now?
Oh, mama what's the matter now?
I'm still up in the morning to get behind the plough

[Verse 4]
A hen can lay a golden egg but she still can't sing
A hen can lay a golden egg but she still can't sing
Well, the hen's alright but the harp is everything
[Chorus]
Oh, mama what's the matter now?
Oh, mama what's the matter now?
I'm still up in the morning to get behind the plough