There once was a musical troupe 

A pickin' singin' folk group

They sang the mountain ballads 

And the folk songs of our land



They were long on musical ability 

Folks thought they would go far

But political incompatibility led to their downfall



Well, the one on the right was on the left

And the one in the middle was on the right

And the one on the left was in the middle

And the guy in the rear was a Methodist



This musical aggregation toured the entire nation

Singing the traditional ballads 

And the folk songs of our land

They performed with great virtuosity 

And soon they were the rage

But political animosity prevailed upon the stage



Well, the one on the right was on the left

And the one in the middle was on the right

And the one on the left was in the middle

And the guy in the rear burned his driver's license



Well the curtain had ascended 

A hush fell on the crowd

As thousands there were gathered to hear The folk songs of our land

But they took their politics seriously 

And that night at the concert hall

As the audience watched deliriously 

They had a free-for-all



Well, the one on the right was on the bottom

And the one in the middle was on the top

And the one on the left got a broken arm

And the guy in the rear, said, "Oh dear"



Now this should be a lesson if you plan to start a folk group

Don't go mixin' politics with the folk songs of our land

Just work on harmony and diction 

Play your banjo well

And if you have political convictions keep them to yourself



Now, the one on the left works in a bank

And the one in the middle drives a truck

The one on the right's an all-night deejay

And the guy in the rear got drafted