Well, a way yonder on the Candy Creek I whittled out a fiddle a wagon seat I tuned my fiddle and I my bow Play a little wherever I go
John, you better your britches on Sleepy-eyed John, you better tie your Sleepy-eyed John, you better get your on Try to get to heaven 'fore the gets to you
Well, sleepy-eyed John he stole a The goose she but she couldn't get loose Said to the goose, "If you don't be still Well miss our supper in Candy ville"
Sleepy-eyed John, you better your on Sleepy-eyed John, you better tie your Sleepy-eyed John, you better get your on Try to get to heaven 'fore the devil to you
Well sleepy-eyed John he had a leg The leg was nothing but a little wooden peg one shoe off and one shoe on He'll do the shuffle 'till the cows come home
Sleepy-eyed John, you better your on Sleepy-eyed John, you better tie your Sleepy-eyed John, you get your britches on Try to get to heaven 'fore the devil to you
Now I got twenty dollars for to a fence I my money and I ain't worked since Sold my and I sold my plow I wouldn't a dollar for my journey now
Sleepy-eyed John, you your britches on Sleepy-eyed John, you better tie shoe Sleepy-eyed John, you better get your on Try to get to heaven 'fore the gets to you
over the hickory and down the pine The left and the old hound whined John said, "Sic 'em" and the left They crossed Green River in a and a half
John, you better your britches on Sleepy-eyed John, you tie your shoe Sleepy-eyed John, you better get britches on Try to get to heaven the devil gets to you