Hardworkin' John, you'd better pull your britches up Spit on your hands and rub 'em on your knees The devil's right behind you, don't you wait until he catches up Get on with it, John, for God's sake, please Oh, hardworkin' John, I know you need coaxin' I'm down on my knees and I don't know what to do It's a serious matter now and nobody is jokin' The hour has come and it's up to you Well, listen here, John, ain't no time for stallin' We're all in deep water right up to our chins The devil is a-droolin' and the angels are a-callin' So get yourself together and commence to begin Hardworkin' John, the time's a-wastin' If ever help was needed, John, it's needed now There's a shadown on the sun, I do believe the light is fadin' Come on, Joh, and show us how Well, listen here, John, ain't no time for stallin' We're all in deep water right up to our chins The devil is a-droolin' and the angels are a-callin' So get yourself together and commence to begin Hardworkin' John, you'd better pull your britches up Spit on your hands and rub 'em on your knees The devil's right behind you, don't you wait until he catches up Get on with it, John, for God's sake, please, please, John