Black Sheep

In a little country village not very far away There lived a rich but aged man whose hair was turning gray He had three sons three only ones both Jack and Tom were sly But Ted was honest as could be he would not tell a lie The brothers tried to ruin Ted before the old man's eyes At last the plot begin its work till Ted was much despised The father then said begone you're heartless to the core Then the black's sheeps words they came just a ringing through the door Don't be angry with me dad don't drive me from your door I know that I've been wayward but I won't be anymore Just give me one more chance and put me to the test You'll find the black sheep loves his dad for better than the rest Year by year sped quickly by the father now grown old He called to them both Jack and Tom and gave them all his gold I only need a little room a place at your fireside One night on Jacks' returning home he brought with him a bride The three began to hate the father more and more each day At last he heard the three declare why the old fool's in our way They then agreed to send him to the poorhouse that was near Then like a flash the black sheep's words came ringing in his ear A wagon drives up to the door it is the poorhouse band The brothers pointed to their dad right there is your man Then a manly form appeared came rushin' through the crowd Stop this you brutes the lad replied it shall not be allowed You took the old man's property and all that he could save You've even sold the little lot containing mother's grave I am his son but not your kin from now till judgement day The father clasped the black sheep's hand and they all heard him say Don't be angry with me son I know I drove you from my door I know that I've been foolish lad I've repented o'er and o'er I should have given you my gold for you have stood the test I found the black sheep loves his dad for better than the rest --- Black Sheep - Stonewall Jackson