My Boy Builds Coffins

My boy builds coffins with hammers and nails

He doesn't build ships, he has no use for sails

He doesn't make tables, dressers or chairs

He can't carve a whistle 'cause he just doesn't care

My boy builds coffins for the rich and the poor

Kings and queens have all knocked on his door

Beggars and liars, gypsies and thieves

They all come to him 'cause he's so eager to please

My boy builds coffins, he makes them all day

But it's not for just work and it isn't for play

He's made one for himself, one for me too

One of these days, he'll make one for you, for you

For you, for you

My boy builds coffins for better or worse

Some say it's a blessing, some say it's a curse

He fits them together in sunshine or rain

Each one is unique, no two are the same

My boy builds coffins and I think it's a shame

That when each one's been made, he can't see it again

He crafts every one with love and with care

Then it's thrown in the ground, it just isn't fair

My boy builds coffins, he makes them all day

But it's not for just work and it isn't for play

He's made one for himself, one for me too

And one of these days, he'll make one for you, for you

For you, for you