Chorus:
Well, it's hard. Ain't it hard? Ain't it hard (oh, yes) to love
one who never
did love you.
Well, it's hard. Ain't it hard? Ain't it hard, great God, to
love one who never
will be true?

Well, there is a house in this old town. That's where my true
love lays around.
She sits down upon another's knee (do tell) and tells him what
she never will
tell me.

(Chorus)

The first time I seen my true love she was a-standin' by my
door,
And the last time I seen her false-hearted smile, she was dead
on that bar room
floor! (Poor girl!)

(Chorus)

Well, who's gonna kiss your ruby lips? (Not you, sweetie!) Who's
gonna hold
your little hand? (Hand?)
Who's gonna do, well, you know what, when I'm down in that
promised land? (I
will!)

(Chorus)

Well, don't go drinkin' and gamblin'. Don't go there your
sorrows for to drown.
This hard liquor place is a low-down disgrace. It's the meanest
damn place in
this town!

(Chorus)