"Lightly I touched the trigger; I drew a good long breath—

My heart was full o' Satan, my aim was full o' death;

But at that very instant they broke out, clear an' strong,

A-singing, both together, a good old-fashioned song.

"That simple little song, girl, still in my ears does ring;

'Twas one I had coaxed your mother while courting her to sing;

Never a word I remember how any verses goes,

But this is a little ditty that every body knows:

How though about a palace you might forever hang,

You'll never feel so happy as in your own shebang.