There once was a musical troop a pickin' singin' folk group

They sang the mountain ballads and the folk songs of our land

They were long on musical ability folks thought they would go far

But political incompatibility led to their downfall

Well the one on the right was on the left

And the one on the middle was on the right

And the one on the left was in the middle

And the guy in the rear was a methodist

[ guitar ]

This musical aggregation toured the entire nation

Singing traditinal ballads and the folk songs of our land

They performed with great virtuosity and soon they were the rage

But political animosity prevailed upon the stage

Well the one on the right was on the left

And the one on the middle was on the right

And the one on the left was in the middle

And the guy in the rear burned his driver's licence

[ guitar ]

When the curtain had ascended a hush fell on the crowd

As thousand there were gathered to hear the folk songs of our land

But they took their politics seriously and that night at the concert hall

As the audience watched deliriously they had a free for all

Well the one on the right was on the bottom

And the one on the middle was on the top

And the one on the left got a broken arm

And the guy on his rear said oh dear

[ guitar ]

Now this should be a lesson if you plan to start a folk group

Don't go mixing politics with the folk songs of our land

Just work on harmony and diction play your banjo well

And if you have politicial conviction keep 'em to yourself

Now the one on the left works in the bank

And the one on the middle drives a truck

The one on the right's an all night DJ

And the guy in the rear got drafted