Small fry, struttin' by the pool room,
Small fry, should be in the school room.
My my, put down that cigarette,
You ain't a grown-up high and mighty yet.
Small fry, dancin' for a penny,
Small fry, countin' up how many.
My my, just listen to me,
You ain't the biggest catfish in the sea.
You practice peckin' all day long to some old radio song,
Oh yes, oh yes, oh yes.
You better listen to your Paw and someday practice the law
And then you'll be a real success, yes.
Small fry, kissed the neighbor's daughter,
Small fry, should stay in shallow water.
Seems I should take you cross my knee,
You ain't the biggest catfish in the sea.
You got your feet all soakin' wet, you'll be the death of me yet,
Oh me, oh my, small fry.