D 
I don't need no one's opinion 
On the matter concerning my dress. 
I was raised in a clinic down in Oklahoma, 
There were many things I did not possess. 
G 
I never complained, because my father said, 
"Son you'll get your chance before you're my age". 
        D 
Then he took me upstairs and gave me this suit 
Written all over his face 
          A 
He said, "Others may come and others may go, 
          G 
But that suit will be around wherever you're goin'" 
D                           G 
Three button hand me down 
D                           G 
Three button hand me down 
 
(bass intro)1x 
 
D 
I had my fair share of neat women, 
But they came between me and my suit. 
That was a filly from Boston, a barmaid from Houston, 
Not forgetting the one in Detroit. 
               G 
They said, "We like you boy and we think you're sweet, 
But can't you lose your suit?" 
        D 
I said, "No, no, no, no, you can't do that to me" 
I remember what my father said: 
          A 
He said, "Others may come and others may go, 
          G 
But that suit will be around wherever you're goin'" 
D                          G 
Three button hand me down, ha ha, 
D                          G 
Three button hand me down 
 
(simple, bluesy solo) 
 
D 
I've never been a tidy dresser 
And the fold in my trousers it ain't straight. 
Still I know a good cloth when I see one. 
That's why I'm clad in this gray flannel suit. 
G 
Sometimes I wonder if I should visit a tailor 
And get myself a smooth outfit. 
       D 
Then I remember what my father said to me. 
I'll make you from the open road 
          A 
He said, "Others may come and others may go, 
          G 
But that suit will be around wherever you go" 
D                           G 
Three button hand me down, 
D                           G 
Three button hand me down