If the folks next door to me weren't so good 

I'd do all the mean things anybody could 

I'd drink and I'd gamble and I'd louse around 

I'd be the meanest man in this whole town 



If I hadn't seen the light in that old lady's eyes 

I'd try to be a man you would hate and despise 

I'd rave and I'd rant and I'd scream and yell 

And I'd chase my neighbors from here to hell 



If I hadn't heard those kids laugh playing games 

I'd have nervous fits, I'd go insane 

I'd turpentine cats and tin can dogs 

I'd smother people to death inside of hollow logs 



If the people around me wasn't so nice 

I'd freeze my heart into a cake of ice 

Steal money from soldiers and working folks too 

I'd lend you a dollar and take back two 



If my wife didn't kiss me the way she does 

I'd carry four or five daggers and three or four guns 

I'd shoot craps and ramble and hang out late 

I'd steal baby buggies and Cadillac Eights 



If my friends didn't write me those letters I get 

I'd be a dictator, the worse one yet 

I'd be the only smart bird, you'd all be fools 

Send you all away to war and I'd stay home and rule 



If it wasn't for them songs I hear you all sing 

I'd put a crown on my dome and I'd say I'm your king 

I'd kidnap some and blackmail others 

I'd peddle black market stuff and rob sisters and brothers 



If it weren't for your talking I hear on the street 

I'd be the orneriest man that you ever did meet 

I'd preach the gospel of hate and I'd drink your blood 

But I can't be this bad because my folks are too good 

No I can't be this bad because my folks are too good