One day I was traveling, I happened to  think
My pockets are empty, I can't buy a drink
I am an old bummer, completely dead broke
And there's nothing to do but go mauling  live oak

Derry down, down, down, Derry down

Well, I went right away for to see Captain  Swift
To see and find out could he give me a lift
He looked me all over from top unto toe
Said he "You're the boy that live-oaking  must go"

Derry down, down, down, Derry down

Then he brought out the contract that both  of us signed
To keep and secure if we both were inclined
But the very best wages that he could afford
'Twas only five dollars a month and my board

Derry down, down, down, Derry down

Well, I had to get ready without much delay
For the schooner was sailing the very next  day
With two pints of whiskey, a pipe and a spoon
Away we set sail for Mosquito Lagoon

Derry down, down, down, Derry down

Now, bluff was the game that we played every night
And in it Charles Douglass he took great delight
He won my tobacco, while others cracked jokes
He said, "You'll get more when you're mauling  live oak"

Derry down, down, down, Derry down

Now, mauling this live oak, I'll say it's  great fun
Especially the dry ones that makes the sweat run
It'll make your axe handles to glimmer and smoke 
You need iron handles for mauling live oak

Derry down, down, down, Derry down

It's mosquitoes by day, and it's midges by  night
The sand fleas and bedbugs, they bother me quite
And if ever back home my head I do poke
To Hell, I'll kick Swift and his goddam live oak

Derry down, down, down, Derry down