I've travelled east
I've travelled west
I've been in every state
A member of the knights of rest
With dues paid up to date.

There's just two things that I despise
Two things I always shirk
The first thing is a cake of soap
The other one is work

My life to me is just as free
I'm always on a lark
Somebody said "you're just a bum"
And I don't like that remark

Who said I was a Bum?
Who said I was a Bum?
I haven't worked in twenty years
I guess I'm not so dumb

And as a tramp along the road
The people hear me hum
I know I'm a hobo, but
Who said I was a Bum?

I must admit
I never fit in any job and say
Whenever I see a pile of wood
I look the other way

I haven't shaved in 'most a year
I really am afraid
because I fear my wire beard
would break the razor blade

The other day while on my way
a cop gave me a chase
I thought I heard him
Holler "Take that mattress
off-a your face!"

Who said I was a Bum?
Who said I was a Bum?
I've been in every hospital
that ever was built, by gum!
and every time they operate
they just cut out my rum
I know I'm a hobo, but
Who said I was a Bum?

My coat is torn, my shoes are worn
There's holes in both my toes
And what is worse
I always nurse a blossom on my nose

And with a glance
You'll see my pants
are baggy at the knees
They're worn so thin
I feel the wind blow through my BVDs

But I ain't got a worry boys
Now what do you think of that?
There's nothing ever on my mind
Except my old straw hat

But who said I was a Bum?
Who said I was a Bum?
Don't think I'm a lonesome guy
Because I look so glum
I've got a lot of cooties
And they keep me busy, some
I know I'm a hobo but
Who said I was a Bum?

I travel in the best of style
No matter what the rate
I ride inside those Pullmann cars
some people call them freight

I only eat one kind of food
Just one not anymore
I mean the kind of food
they hand me out the kitchen door

From coast to coast
No man can boast such popularity
Wherever I stop there is a cop
Who waits to welcome me

Well who said I was a Bum?
Who said I was a Bum?
I've been in all the finest jails
Beneath the shining sun

Each time I face a judge
I'm gone for many months to come
I know I'm a hobo but
Who said I was a Bum?

Now any place I hang my hat
Is "Home, Sweet Home" to me
Oh! How I love the man
That wrote that sweet old melody

Another song I'm wild about
It hit me way down deep
a tune I'm always singing
"Please Go Away and Let Me Sleep".

The millionaire is worried
with a lot of bills to pay
While all I have to worry about is
Whether I'll eat today

So who said I was a bum?
Who said I was a bum?

Fifth Avenue and I are through
To me it's just a slum
I'll tell you who I really am
I hope you'll keep it mum

I know I'm a hobo
But who said I was a bum ?