Song Of The Old Rooster

[Verse 1]
Once I met an old rooster all tattered with living
His hackles were torn by the taking and the giving
He said the taking and the giving's not all as I'd choose
You put forth your hand and your knuckles get bruised

[Chorus]
And whether what's wise or foolish prove foolish or true
Hangs on the way you go cock-a-doodle-doo

[Verse 2]
When I was a young cockaroo put on my mettle
By the pretty and young pullets brown, white or speckle
Brown, white or speckle, I courted for all I was able
So as not made a capon for some Sunday table

[Chorus]
And whethеr what's wise or foolish prove foolish or true
Hangs on thе way you go cock-a-doodle-doo

[Verse 3]
And it seems there are more things contrary than a body can handle
A woman wants using her both rough and gentle
So be it rough or be gentle, be soothed or be smitten
Your chickens will hatch whether kissed, whether bitten

[Chorus]
And whether what's wise or foolish prove foolish or true
Hangs on the way you go cock-a-doodle-doo

[Verse 4]
And all of the things I have gathered when given in summary
Make a passel of counterpoints sometimes in harmony
Only sometimes in harmony, but, oh, such a wonderful banter
Twixt the lord of the barnyard and the wayward true daughter

[Chorus]
And whether what's wise or foolish prove foolish or true
Hangs on the way you go cock-a-doodle-doo

[Verse 5]
So, said the cockerel, while preening himself sleek and feathery
You aquire a tase for the grand contrariety
Oh, the grand contrariety, the bittersweet blow with no warning
Will cause an old rooster to crow in the morning

[Chorus]
And whether what's wise or foolish prove foolish or true
Hangs on the way you go cock-a-doodle-doo

[Outro]
A-doodle-doo
A-doodle-doo
A-doodle-doo