THE PRICE HE PAID

I said I would have my fling, And do what a young man may; And I did n't believe a thing That the parsons have to say.

I did n't believe in a God That gives us blood like fire, Then flings us into hell because We answer the call of desire.

And I said:‘ Religion is rot, And the laws of the world are nil; For the bad man is he who is caught And cannot foot his bill.

And there is no place called hell; And heaven is only a truth When a man has his way with a maid, In the fresh keen hour of youth.

‘ And money can buy us grace, If it rings on the plate of the church: And money can neatly erase Each sign of a sinful smirch.’

For I saw men everywhere, Hotfooting the road of vice; And women and preachers smiled on them As long as they paid the price.

So I had my joy of life: I went the pace of the town; And then I took me a wife, And started to settle down.

I had gold enough and to spare For all of the simple joys That belong with a house and a home And a brood of girls and boys.

I married a girl with health And virtue and spotless fame. I gave in exchange my wealth And a proud old family name.

And I gave her the love of a heart Grown sated and sick of sin! My deal with the devil was all cleaned up, And the last bill handed in.

She was going to bring me a child, And when in labour she cried With love and fear I was wild - But now I wish she had died.

For the son she bore me was blind And crippled and weak and sore! And his mother was left a wreck. It was so she settled my score.

I said I must have my fling, And they knew the path I would go; Yet no one told me a thing Of what I needed to know.

Folks talk too much of a soul From heavenly joys debarred - And not enough of the babes unborn, By the sins of their fathers scarred.