The Black Sheep

THE BLACK SHEEP Recorded by Stonewall Jackson Arranged by Stonewall Jackson very far a-{D} way There lived a rich, but aged man, whose gray He sly But lie. The brothers tried to ru-in 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 thru 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, far 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. 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 anymore Just give me one more chance and put me to the test You'll find the Black Sheep loves you, Dad, far better than the rest. A wagon drives up to the door, it is the poorhouse van 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 plot, containin' 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, far better than the rest.