Well there's a big old dead carp belly up in the bay It was nature's intention that he end up that way He never got eaten 'cause he never got cooked 'Cause he never go netted 'cause he never got hooked There's a big old dead carp belly up in the bay Just before he rolled over, I heard him say: "I lived a long life, a good life; I swam it alone You stay clear of hooks when the water's you home" Stay clear of hooks, fish, fowl or man Don't fall for the bait; you live as long as you can If the Good Lord preserves you and things go your way You'll be peacefully goin' belly up in the bay There's a big old dead carp belly up in the bay And the seagulls will find him by the end of the day Peck a hole in his belly, peck out his guts That's life in the food chain, no if ands or buts. Belly up in the bay, belly up in the bay You can't live forever so live every day If the Good Lord preserves you and things go your way You'll be peacefully goin' belly up in the bay