They're a sad thing,
They're a bad thing,
The blues;
When they threaten,
Just start bettin'
You'll lose.
You hide yourself
Behind a prayer;
The blues will come
And find you there.

I feel the blues,
They're called Pete Kelly's Blues,
Bad news!
There's no exit,
You can't drive away the blues.

If you're born with,
You will die with
The blues,
Think what you choose!
That happy dream is yours, they say,
If you can pay the dues.

That's why I'm stuck with,
Fresh out of luck with,
The blues,
Pete's Blues,
Pete Kelly's blues,
Pete Kelly's blues.