When I was a little boy Around the table at home I remember very well When company would come I would have to be right still Until the whole crowd ate My mama always said to me "Jim, take a tater and wait!" Now taters never did taste good With chicken on the plate But I had to eat 'em just the same That is why I look so bad And have these puny ways Because I always had to take An old cold tater and wait! ♪ And then the preachers, they would come To stay awhile with us I would have to slip around And raise a little fuss In fear that I would spill the beans Or break a china plate My mama always said to me "Jim, take a tater and wait!" Now taters never did taste good With chicken on the plate But I had to eat 'em just the same That is why I look so bad And have these puny ways Because I always had to take An old cold tater and wait! ♪ Well I thought that I'd starve to death Before my time would come All that chicken they would eat And just leave me the bone The feet and neck were all that's left Upon the china plate It makes you pretty darn weak To take an old cold tater and wait! Well, taters never did taste good With chicken on the plate But I had to eat 'em just the same That is why I look so bad And have these puny ways Because I always had to take An old cold tater and wait!