It's been raining here in Long Beach The dampness in the air Tends to straighten out my hair Against my wishes But the traces of a song reach My tattered ear once more Lend me courage to ignore The smell of fishes
I was a drunken lout, I ran about With ladies that I knew I did 'em wrong all night long Singing 23 skidoo
Huzahh...huzahh... Once upon a time I was a kid Well I don't know what happened then But I'm warning all you younger men On your way to Long Beach think again You can't afford to settle down in Long Beach
I had a rack and coat, a paddle boat I played the ukelele Beneath the moon in June I'd croon Won't you come on home little baby
Huzahh...huzahh... Once upon a time I was a kid But now my hair is turning gray I'm getting fatter every day If you got any sense you'll stay away And never give another thought to Long Beach