[1st verse:]
When I was young
My father said to me "Learn a trade
Learn a trade
Do me a favor and become an engraver
For engravers are well-paid
If I'd have done what father wanted
Imagine what I'd miss
There is no doubt
I was cut out
For a life like this

[1st refrain:]
I come around to the theatre in my automobile
Singing, "This is the life, this is the life"

Surrounded by chorus ladies in the troupe
I spend all my time in a chicken coop

They come to my dressing room as cute as can be
Saying "Won't you hook up my dress for me?"

And it makes me mad to think my dear old dad
Wanted me to learn a trade

[2nd verse:]
When I come out
With lots of powder upon my sleeve
On my sleeve
Somebody rested on my new double-breasted
I believe you've got me, Steve
I always kiss the prima donna
In every we scene we act
Leave it to me
That has to be
It's in my contract

[2nd refrain:]
I leave the show ev'ry evening in my automobile
Singing, "This is the life, this is the life"

My supper consists of chicken a la King
I get indigestion and everything

A ring on my finger with a four carat stone
Twenty payments more and it's all my own

And it makes me mad to think my dear old dad
Wanted me to learn a trade