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 them 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 just for 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 (X4)
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 just for 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 (X4)