In a little country village not very far away

There lived a rich but aged man whose hair was turning gray 

He had three sons three only ones both Jack and Tom were sly

But Ted was honest as could be he would not tell a lie

The brothers tried to ruin Ted before the old man's eyes

At last the plot begin its work till Ted was much despised

The father then said begone you're heartless to the core

Then the black's sheeps words they came just a ringing thru the door

Don't be angry with me dad don't drive me from your door

I know that I've been wayward but I won't be anymore

Just give me one more chance and put me to the test

You'll find the black sheep loves his dad for better than the rest

Year by year sped quickly by the father now grown old

He called to them both Jack and Tom and gave them all his gold

I only need a little room a place at your fireside

One night on Jacks' returning home he brought with him a bride

The three began to hate the father more and more each day

At last he heard the three declare why the old fool's in our way

They then agreed to send him to the poorhouse that was near

Then like a flash the black sheep's words came ringing in his ear

A wagon drives up to the door it is the poorhouse band

The brothers pointed to their dad right there is your man 

Then a manly form appeared came rushin' through the crowd

Stop this you brutes the lad replied it shall not be allowed

You took the old man's property and all that he could save

You've even sold the little lot containing mother's grave

I am his son but not your kin from now till judgement day

The father clasped the black sheep's hand and they all heard him say

Don't be angry with me son I know I drove you from my door

I know that I've been foolish lad I've repented o'er and o'er

I should have given you my gold for you have stood the test

I found the black sheep loves his dad for better than the rest