[Verse 1]
There once was a lawyer they called Mr. Clay
He had but two clients, and they wouldn't pay
At last, of starvation he grew so afraid
That he courted and married a wealthy old maid

[Verse 2]
At the wedding the lawyer made one big mistake
'Twas not in omitting the wine or the cake
The ring was well chosen, they had a big feed
But the lawyer did not get a warranty deed

[Chorus]
He's a very unfortunate, very unfortunate
Very unfortunate man (Yes)
He's a very unfortunate, very unfortunate
Very unfortunate man

[Verse 3]
At night in their chamber the lady arose
And began to prepare to retire and repose
Her husband sat near her admiring her charms
That gave him such pleasure to hold in his arms

[Verse 4]
She went to the washstand to bathe her fair face
And thus she destroyed all her beauty and grace
The rose on her cheek quickly grew very faint
And he saw on the towel 'twas nothing but paint
[Chorus]
He's a very unfortunate, very unfortunate
Very unfortunate man (Oh, yes)
He's a very unfortunate, very unfortunate
Very unfortunate man

[Verse 5]
She went to the mirror to take down her hair
And when she had done so, her scalp was all bare
Said she, "Don't be frightened to see my bald head
I'll put on my cap when I get into bed"

[Verse 6]
She hung her false hair on the wall on a peg
Then she proceeded to take off her leg
Her trembling husband got quite a surprise
When she asked him to come and take out her glass eye

[Verse 7]
Now, all you young men who would marry for life
Be sure to examine your intended wife
Remember the lawyer who trusted his eyes
And a little bit later got quite a surprise

[Chorus]
He's a very unfortunate, very unfortunate
Very unfortunate man (Oh, yes)
He's a very unfortunate, very unfortunate
Very unfortunate man