Hank Snow - The Runt Lyrics

Written by Johnny McRae

Recorded by Hank Snow



Rough him up and shove him down

Make him cry when he comes ‘round

Treat him any way you want

After all he’s just runt, just a little runt



Runt is what they called him

But his name was Buddy Grey

He lived out on Maple Street

‘Bout a mile away



Hand-me-downs were all he wore

Poverty and nothing more

Always someone laying for – the runt



They catch him in the school year

When he came out to play

Then get him in a circle

Where he couldn’t get away



They’d shove him here

And they’d shove him there

If he fell down, nobody cared

Just anything to keep him scared -- the runt



Then one day walking home from school

The teasing went just too far

They chased the runt out in the street

Nobody saw the car



They only heard that awful sound

They saw the broken body on the ground

Then everybody gathered around -- the runt



They buried him on Sunday

His classmates all were there

And the tears filled each every eye

When runt’s mother said a prayer



Lord, even though you’ve taken him

I think I understand

He’s finished the job you’ve sent him for

And done it like you planned



If you made all people to look the same

It just wouldn’t be right I guess

So you put a few now and then, like my runt

To bring others’ happiness



His shortness makes others feel tall

His weakness makes others feel strong

His features make others feel pretty and handsome

And his sadness brings others a song



So rough him up and shove him down

Make him cry when he comes ‘round

Treat him any way you want

But thank God for the runt

Yes, thank God for my little runt