Here comes that good for nothin' brat of a boy
He's such a devil I could whip him with joy
He's been carousin' at the burleycue
Just watch me teach him with the sole of my shoe

Small fry, struttin' by the pool room
Small fry, should be in the school room
My, my, put down that cigarette
You ain't grown up high and mighty yet

Small fry, dancin' for a penny
Small fry, countin' up how many
My, my, just listen here to me
You ain't the biggest catfish in the sea

You practice peckin' all day long to some old radio song
Oh yes, oh yes, oh yes, you better listen to your paw
And someday practice the law
And then you'll be a real success

Yes, small fry, you kissed the neighbour's daughter
Small fry, shoulda stay in shallow water
Seems I should take you cross my knee
You ain't the biggest catfish in the sea

You've got your feet all soakin' wet
You'll be the death of me yet
Oh me, oh my, small fry