I lost my eyes in the blacksmith
Shop in the year of fifty-six
While dusting out a t-flange
Which was out of fix
It bounded from the tongs
And there concealed my doom
I am a blind fiddler, and far from my home

I've been to San Francisco
I've been to Dr lane
He operated on one o' my eyes
But nothing could he gain
He told me that I'd never see
And it's no use to mourn
I am a blind fiddler, and far from my home

I have a wife and three little
Ones dependin' now on me
To share all my troubles
Whatever they may be
I hope that they'll be careful
While I'm compelled to roam
I am a blind fiddler, and far from my home