[Intro]
Here I come into my own again
Fed, forgiven, and known again
Claimed by bone of my bone again
And cheered by flesh of my flesh
The fatted calf is dressed for me
But the husks have greater zest for me
I think my pigs will be best for me
So I'm off to the Yards afresh

[Verse 1]
I never was very refined, you see
(And it weighs on my brother's mind, you see)
But there's no reproach among swine, you see
For being a bit of a swine
So I'm off with my wallet and staff to eat
The bread that is three parts chaff to wheat
But glory be! – there's a laugh to it
Which isn't the case when we dine

[Verse 2]
My father glooms and advises me
My brother sulks and despises me
And Mother catechizes me
Till I want to stand up and swear
And, in spite of the butler's gravity
I know that the servants have it I
Am a monster of moral depravity
And damned if I think it's fair!
[Verse 3]
I wasted my substance, I know I did
On riotous living, well, so I did
But there's nothing on record to show I did
Any worse than my betters have done
They talk of the money I spent out there—
They hint at the pace that I went out there—
But they all forget I was sent out there
Alone as a rich man's son

[Verse 4]
So I was a mark for plunder at once
And lost my cash (no wonder) at once
But I didn't give up and knock under at once
I worked in the Yards, for a spell
Where I spent my nights and my days with hogs
And I shared their milk and maize with hogs
Till, I guess, I have learned what pays with hogs
And I have that knowledge to sell!

[Outro]
So back I go to my job again
Not so easy to rob again
Or quite so ready to sob again
On any old neck that's around
I'm leaving, Father. Good-bye to you!
God bless you, Mother! I'll write to you!
I wouldn't be impolite to you
But, Brother, you are a hound!