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

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