Small fry, struttin' by the pool room
Small fry, should be in the school room
My my, you put down that cigarette
You ain't a grown-up high and mighty yet

Small fry, dancin' for a penny
Small fry, countin' up how many
My my, just you listen here to me
You ain't the biggest catfish in the sea

You practice peckin' all day long to some old radio song
Oh, yes, oh, yes, oh, yes

You'd better listen to your Paw and someday practice law
And then you'll be a real success

Small fry, you kissed the neighbor's daughter
Small fry, you should stay in shallow water
Seems I ought to take you 'cross my knee
You ain't the biggest catfish in the sea

My my, you just put down that cigarette
You ain't a grown-up high and mighty yet

My my, just you listen here to me
You ain't the biggest catfish in the sea

You practice peckin' all day long to some old radio song
Oh, yes, oh, yes, oh, yes

You'd better listen to your Paw and someday practice law
And then you'll be a real success

Yes, small fry, you kissed the neighbor's daughter
Small fry, you know you didn't order
Seems I ought to put you 'cross my knee
You ain't the biggest catfish in the sea

You've got your feet all soakin' wet, you'll be the death of me yet
Oh me, oh my, small fry