Folk and Traditional Song Lyrics:
Ragged But Right

Ragged But Right

Ragged But Right
(Riley Puckett?)

I just called up to tell you that I'm ragged* but right;
Thief and a gamblin' man, drunk every night.
I eat porterhouse steak three times a day for my board,
That's more than any ordinary man can afford.
I've got pretty little gals layin' 'round at my feet,
Big electric fan to keep me cool when I sleep;
I'm a ramblin' man, a gamblin' man, and Lord! Am I tight!
I just called up to tell you that I'm ragged but right.

I left a pretty little gal layin' there on the floor
Gave her all my love, and who could ask me for more?
Gave her my last quarter just to buy her a drink,
Showed her to the door, and then... What do you think?
I said, "Go home to your mother, and tell her for me
I'm hittin' the road just 'cause I want to be free.
'Cause I'm a ramblin' man, a gamblin' man, and Lord! Am I tight!
I just called up to tell you that I'm ragged but right.

*I first heard it as "rugged" RG
Reportedly by Riley Puckett
recorded by Phil Harris
RG