I grew up in Ireland in dear old Dublin town
Brought up by a people who'd let nothin' get 'em down
I was thought while still a child to stand up for me rights
Prepare to face the devil that would plague me in my life

I served a long apprenticeship at very honest trade
And met so many devils of whom I felt afraid
But father's words came back to me when I wanted to back down
I looked each divil in the eye and boldly stood me ground

Chorus:
Stand up to your devils or they'll walk over you
Remember, son, the devils come in many shapes and hues
There's devil that is handsome, the devil that is mean
Some of them look scruffy and some look far too clean

I tried me hand at courtin' an' women found me sweet
Until I met McKenna who knocked me off me feet
Oh, Lord, was she a lover with a temper of a shrew
She not just knocked off me feet, she knocked me black and blue

Sure she was a devil dressed up in Angel's guise
When you'd least expect a clout she'd hit you 'tween the eyes
She started talkin' marriage each time she looked at me
I felt 'twas time I got to know the divils of the sea

Chorus

I waved my hand and said goodbye as ship pulled from the quay
Adventure layed before me and so did seven seas
I travelled many ocean miles and found from east to west
The devils you are safest with are those that you know best