A Gangster's Warning Lyrics

I was brought up by kind parents
I once was their pride and joy
I started drinking and gambling
Wild life got the best of their boy
Some pals took me out on a robbery
I thought just once would be fun
But one crime led to another
Till it led to the use of guns

Oh-de-lay-ee, ay-dee-oh-lay-dee-hee
Oh-de-lay-dee-hee

In my pocket I carry a pistol
It′s never away from my side
The notches that's carved in its handles
Tells how more than one man has died
I′m leading a trail that is crooked
My foes lurk round every bend
I know that someday they will get me
I dread to think of the end

Oh-de-lay-ee, ay-dee-oh-lay-dee-hee
Oh-de-lay-dee-hee

It seems there's no hope for a gangster
Not a moment of peace to be found
Wherever I go I am hunted
Like a fox that is chased by a hound
It's true I would like to be honest
But I know it′s too late to begin
For once when you join with the gangsters
It′s a game you must play to the end

Oh-de-lay-ee, ay-dee-oh-lay-dee-hee
Oh-de-lay-dee-hee

I wish I had listened to mother
She said there would be days like this
I've lost my true friends and sweetheart
No more will I know love′s sweet bliss
So young men keep away from bad company
That's how I started in wrong
If ever your pals try to tempt you
Just remember the words of this song

Oh-de-lay-ee, ay-dee-oh-lay-dee-hee
Oh-de-lay-dee-hee