[Verse 1]
Pete slipped out my hand
Gone into the lake
Under a ripple
Like a secret mistake
I saw the ducks converge
Like little feathered crooks
One held up a sign
And shook his soggy books
[Pre-Chorus]
They said, "If you want Pete
Bring the tribute quick"
Five thousand ears of corn
For one good stick
[Chorus]
Pete the stick, Pete the stick
Bring Pete back home to me
Pete the stick, Pete the stick
Set my old friend free
Five thousand ears of corn
And I'll pay the fee
Pete the stick, Pete the stick
That's the deal with me
[Verse 2]
I loaded up a cart
With yellow row by row
The farmer at the gate
Said, "Boy, where does it go?"
I marched to the muddy bank
With my arms full and sore
The ducks were lined in rank
On the lily-pad shore
[Pre-Chorus]
One duck checked the count
With a beak like a pen
I said, "Take the corn
And give him back again"
[Chorus]
Pete the stick, Pete the stick
Bring Pete back home to me
Pete the stick, Pete the stick
Set my old friend free
Five thousand ears of corn
And I'll pay the fee
Pete the stick, Pete the stick
That's the deal with me
[Bridge]
Then the big one swam out slow
With Pete held crosswise proud
He bowed like a king
And the flock got loud
I traded every ear
Till the water calmed
Pete came back slick and glad
Right into my palm
[Final Chorus]
Pete the stick, Pete the stick
Back where he belongs
Pete the stick, Pete the stick
We were gone too long
Five thousand ears of corn
For a wooden song
Pete the stick, Pete the stick
Now the whole lake sings along