Rye whiskey, rye whiskey, rye whiskey, I cry
If I don't get rye whiskey, I surely will die
Beef steak when I'm hungry, rye whiskey when I'm dry
Greenbacks when I'm hard up, religion when I die

Jack a' diamonds, jack a' diamonds, I know you no more
You rob my poor pockets of silver and gold

If the river was whiskey and I was a duck
I'd dive to the bottom, I'd never come up
But the river ain't whiskey and I ain't no duck
I'll go to the bar room and get one sweet suck

Jack a' diamonds, jack a' diamonds, I know you no more
You rob my poor pockets of silver and gold

Tie hackin's too difficult, investment's too slow
Train robbin's too dangerous, it's gamblin' I go
Jack a' diamonds, jack a' diamonds, you been my downfall
I love you and I hate you and I love you for it all

Jack a' diamonds, jack a' diamonds, I know you the most
You rob my poor pockets of silver and gold