When I was a little kid
And all the people, they looked big
I never exactly understood
How to tell the tree from the wood
Joy without pleasure
Ain't no fun, ain't no fun at all
Joy without pleasure
Ain't no fun, ain't no fun at all

My Mama, she took me aside one day
She said "you better have fun while you play"
Cause someday you'll wake up and you'll be old
And all of your youth will be gone away
And you'll work in a factory and earn your pay
And your fingers will rot and your mind will decay
You'll be happy, so happy, with your family and house
But you'll never, you'll never enjoy yourself
Joy without pleasure
Ain't no fun, ain't no fun at all
Joy without pleasure
Ain't no fun, ain't no fun at all

The son of Charles [bad word] and a little red hen
Dance the Watusi like it was a sin
They try to enjoy it, but they feel so guilty
Guilt won't allow you to enjoy stolen apples
Joy without pleasure
Ain't no fun, ain't no fun at all
Joy without pleasure
Ain't no fun, ain't no fun at all