In reading the papers each day
Reflecting on matters and things
Quite often the grave and the gay
Will give me an idea that clings
Would many big banks that have failed
And left working men poor and lone
Be broke if directors were jailed?
It's just an idea of my own

It's just an idea of my own, you know
It's just an idea of my own
Don't blame me if I should be wrong, you know
It's just an idea of my own

In politics, both parties fight
The people, the damage must pay
And which side is wrong or is right
What matters to us anyway?
Would Stalwarts and Halfbreeds contend
And growl like two dogs at a bone
If 'boodle' was not the sole end?
It's just an idea of my own

It's just an idea of my own, you know
It's just an idea of my own
Don't blame me if I should be wrong, you know
It's just an idea of my own

We love the sweet girls to admire
But who in his heart won't confess
They all of them seek to aspire
To very odd fashions in dress?
The bonnets that now they adore
At least a mile around they have grown
What race-tracks they'd make, to be sure!
It's just an idea of my own

Now, often a man's sent to jail
For stealing a mouthful of bread
When those who steal millions get bail
Unless beforehand they have fled
One rule for the rich and the poor
Let justice dispense from her throne!
It would suit the world better, I'm sure
It's just an idea of my own

In Erin, far over the sea
The people are sad in their lot
They linger in sad misery
And who of us pity them not?
Give Pat the dear sod that he tills
Not all to the landlord alone
That's better than all their land bills
It's just an idea of my own