Take good care of what you've got 
My father said to me 
As he puffed his pipe and baby B. 
He dandled on his knee 
Don't fool with fools who'll turn away 
Keep all good company 
Oo hoo oo hoo 
Take care of those you call your own 
And keep good company 

Soon I grew and happy too 
My very good friends and me 
We'd play all day with Sally J. 
The girl from number four 
Very soon I begged her won't you 
Keep me company 
Oo hoo oo hoo 
Oo hoo oo hoo 
Come marry me for evermore we'll 
Be good company 

Now marriage is an institution sure 
My wife and I our needs and nothing more 
All my friends by a year 
By and by disappeared 
But we're safe enough behind our door 

I flourished in my humble trade 
My reputation grew 
The work devoured my waking hours 
But when my time was through 
Reward of all my efforts my own 
Limited company 

I hardly noticed Sally as we 
Parted company 
All through the years in the end it appears 
There was never really anyone but me 

Now I'm old I puff my pipe 
But no-one's there to see 
I ponder on the lesson of 
My life's insanity 
Take care of those you call your own 
And keep good company