[Verse 1]
Oh, hard is my fortune and hard is my fate
Controlled by my mother so early and late
And when I get married just to end all the strife
Controlled by a man for the rest of my life

[Verse 2]
Oh, young men go a-courtin', they dress up so fine
They cheat the girls up, that is all their design
They'll titter, they'll tatter, they'll laugh and they'll lie
They'll cheat the girls up 'til they're ready to die

[Verse 3]
Oh, young men go a-courtin', they stay up all night
Get out in thе mornin' and look like a sight
They'll saddle thеir horses, they'll rock and they'll reel
"Daggone them old girls, how sleepy I do feel"

[Verse 4]
Oh, bachelor's hall it is bound to be best
Get drunk or stay sober, lay down, take your rest
No woman to scold you, no children to bawl
So happy is the man that keeps bachelor's hall