[1st verse:] When I was young My father said to me "Learn a trade Learn a trade Do me a favor and become an engraver For engravers are well-paid If I'd have done what father wanted Imagine what I'd miss There is no doubt I was cut out For a life like this [1st refrain:] I come around to the theatre in my automobile Singing, "This is the life, this is the life" Surrounded by chorus ladies in the troupe I spend all my time in a chicken coop They come to my dressing room as cute as can be Saying "Won't you hook up my dress for me?" And it makes me mad to think my dear old dad Wanted me to learn a trade [2nd verse:] When I come out With lots of powder upon my sleeve On my sleeve Somebody rested on my new double-breasted I believe you've got me, Steve I always kiss the prima donna In every we scene we act Leave it to me That has to be It's in my contract [2nd refrain:] I leave the show ev'ry evening in my automobile Singing, "This is the life, this is the life" My supper consists of chicken a la King I get indigestion and everything A ring on my finger with a four carat stone Twenty payments more and it's all my own And it makes me mad to think my dear old dad Wanted me to learn a trade
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