When I was young and fancy free
My folks had no fine clothes for me.
All I got was words.
Gott tsu danken. (Thank G-d.)
Gott vet geben (G-d will provide.)
Zol men nor leben un gesunt zein.
(May we only live and be healthy.)

When I began to travel far
They couldn't provide me with a car.
All I got was words.
Gey gezuntareid (Go in good health.)
Gey pamelach (Go slowly.)
Hob ah glickliche reize.
(Have a successful trip.)

I wanted to increase my knowledge
But they couldn't afford to send me to college.
All I got was words.
Hob seichel (have good sense.)
Zeinisht kein nar (Do not be a fool.)
Torah iz de beste sroireh
(Torah is the best merchandise.)

The years have flown, the world has turned
Things I've forgotten, things I've learned.
Yet still I remember.
Zog dem emmes (Tell the truth.)
Gib tzedakah (Give charity.)
Hob rachmonus (Have compassion.)
Zei ah mentsch (Be a mentsch.)
ALL I GOT WAS WORDS

PITY THOSE WHO NEVER GOT THE WORD