verse 1 Three scruples to a dram boys Eight drams to an ounce Two cups will get you a pint now And the first one’s on the house verse 2 The drunkard craves just another Blind man blames the eye The poor man dreams of riches And a martyr prays to die I don't need to read the papers Or the tea leaves to understand That this world's been shaved By a drunken barber's hand verse 3 I've drowned in the pull of young love Known the high and the hurt I've felt the heartbeat quicken At the sight of a lifted skirt verse 4 I've thrilled to the big sound Felt the rumble and the roar Drove straight through the blackest night In a chase forevermore I don't need to read the papers Or the tea leaves to understand That this world's been shaved By a drunken barber's hand Bridge I rode ten thousand miles On a carousel horse of wood We end up where we started Get right back on if we could Verse 5 So go ahead make your confession To a washed up whiskey priest I'll be puttin' money down On the rough and slouching beast 'Cause I don't need to read the papers Or the tea leaves to understand That this world's been shaved By a drunken barber's hand I don't need to read the papers Or the tea leaves to understand That this world's been shaved By a drunken barber's hand