the two bums

the bum on the rods is hunted down
as the enemy of mankind
the bum on the plush is driven 'round to his club
is feted, wined, and dined.

and they that curse the bum on the rods
as the essence on all that's bad
greet the other with a wining smile
and extend the hand so glad.

the bum on the rods is a social flea
who gets an occasional bite
the bum on the plush is a social leech
bloodsucking day and night

the bum on the rods is a load so light
his weight we scarcely feel
but it takes the labor of dozens of men
to furnish the other a meal.

as long as we sanction the bum on the plush
the other will always be there
but rid ourselves of the bum on the plush
and the other will disappear

so make an intelligent, organised kick
get rid of the weights that crush
forget about the bum on the rods
get rid of the bum on the plush


author unknown
recorded by George Milburn in
The Hobo's Hornbook, 1941

Y'u'd think we'd learn.