Old Raven had a lunch of cheese. And sly fox did smell it in the breeze The fox looked up and sweetly spoke O Raven, on your perch of oak. Your coat is black and your beak is yellow If only now your voice were mellow Yes if only your voice were mellow You'd be the fairest. Be the fairest Be the fairest, in the woods. Ole raven overjoyed by praise And sure he'd earned it in all ways
Breathed in deep and let a croak And dropped the luncheon from the oak Snatchin' of this tasty prize Sly ole' fox was very wise To fall for flattery Good bird You know it's vanity it's vanity It's vanity It must have hurt Which lessened if you please undoubtably as with the cheese A bit too late the raven swore The road would never cheat him no more