[Refrain]
Yo-del-lay-ee, oh, yo-del-lay-ee, oh, yo-del-lay-hee

[Verse 1]
For years and years I rambled, I drank my wines and I gambled
But one day I thought I would settle down
I met a perfect lady, she said she'd be my baby
We built a cottage in the old hometown

[Refrain]
Dee-yo-del-lay-ee, oh, yo-del-lay-ee, oh, yo-del-lay-hee

[Chorus]
But, somehow, I can't forget my good old rambling days
The railroad trains are calling me always
I may be rough, I may be wild, I may be tough and counted vile
But I can't give up my rough and rowdy ways

[Refrain]
Oh-lay-hee, oh-lay-hee, oh-lay-hee

[Instrumental Break]

[Refrain]
Dee-yo-del-lay-ee, oh, yo-del-lay-ee, oh, yo-del-lay-hee
[Verse 2]
Sometimes, I meet a bounder who knew me when I was a rounder
He grabs my hand and says, "Boy, have a drink"
We'd go down to the poolroom, get in the gang and then soon
The daylight comes before I've had a wink

[Refrain]
Dee-yo-del-lay-ee, oh, yo-del-lay-ee, oh, yo-del-lay-hee

[Chorus]
But somehow I can't forget my good old rambling days
The railroad trains are calling me always
I may be rough, I may be wild, I may be tough and counted vile
But I can't give up my rough and rowdy—
I can't give up my rough and rowdy—
I can't give up my rough and rowdy ways

[Refrain]
Dee-yo-del-lay-ee, oh, yo-del-lay-ee, oh, yo-del-lay-hee