In a quiet little village not so very far away
There lived a rich and aged man whose hair was turning gray
He had three sons his only ones, both Jack and Tom were sly
While Ted was honest and could be, he would not tell a lie

They tried thier best to ruin Ted in the old man's eyes
Their poison soon began to work till Ted was much despised
One night the old man said, begone you're heartless to the core
There are the words the lad then said as he stood by the door

Don't be angry with me Dad, don't turn me from your door
I know that I've been wayward but I won't be any more
Give me just another chance put me to the test
You'll find a black sheep loves his dad far better than the rest

Year by year sped quickly by, the father had grown old
Called Jack and Tom to him and said I give you all my gold
I only need this little room a place at your fireside
One night on Jack's returning home he brought with him a bride

The wife began to hate the Dad, more and more each day
One night he heard the three declare, the old fool is in our way
They all agreed to send him to the poorhouse that was near
Then like a flash the black sheep's words came ringing in his ears

* Refrain

A wagon drove up to the door, it was the poorhouse van
The brothers pointed to their Dad and said there is your man
Just then a manly form appeared and pushing through the crowd
Don't take my Dad, the stranger said this will not be allowed

You took away his property and all that he could save
You even sold the little spot that marked your mother's grave
I'm still his son but not your kin from now till judgement day
The Father clasped the black sheep's hand, the crowd then heard him say

Oh don't be angry with me son I turned you from my door
I know that I was foolish I've repented o're and o're
I wish I'd given you my gold for you have stood the test
I found the black sheep loves his Dad far better than the rest