But little I knew what I had to do for Grady of Stravan.

As I went down to the Hiring Fair in a place they call the Strand,
Twas there I hired for seven long years with Grady of Stravan.
And before I went and hired with him, he was very nice to me.
He promised me eggs and bacon, and he then shook hands with me,

Saying "You're welcome with me, Johnny. And you're with a decent man."
But little I knew what I had to do for Grady of Stravan.

When I went up to my bed that night, I let out an awful bawl.
For the fleas they made a fierce attack, and I got no sleep at all.
When I came down for my breakfast, what do you think I see,
But a dozen squawling children saying "Is there anything there for me?"

He said, "You're welcome with me, Johnny. And you're with a decent man."
But little I knew what I had to do for Grady of Stravan.

I worked on Grady's farm til I looked an awful sight.
My bones were pushing through my skin, for I worked from morn til night.
One day, I died and passed away, and Grady gave a grin,
Saying "He'll make good fertilizer, and there's plenty more like him."

Saying "You're welcome with me, Johnny. And you're with a decent man."
But little I knew what I had to do for Grady of Stravan