i’m not ashamed to say what’s in my heart
i’m not ashamed — to say what’s in my heart
because i know — the best of friends must part

you came to me — you said my dog was yours
you came to me — you said my dog was yours
i’m not ashamed — to speak my mind because

he may be your dog but he’s wearing my collar
i’m putting you right
he may be your dog but it’s me he’ll follow
when he wants good exercise

all day long — you treat him right
but you’ll find him at my house every night

he may be your dog but he’s wearing my collar
how you gonna keep him home?

i’m not ashamed to say when i am wrong
i’m not ashamed — to say when i am wrong
because i know a lie can’t stand up long.

down in my home to lie is something strange
down in my home — to lie is something strange
that’s why i mean to tell you to your face

he may be your dog but he’s wearing my collar
i’m putting you right
he may be your dog but it’s me he’ll follow
when he wants good exercise

he might eat right off your hand
but you can’t make him beg like mamma can

he may be your dog but he’s wearing my collar
how you gonna keep him home?

he’s with you each night till six
then he comes over here and does his tricks

he maybe your dog but he’s wearing my collar
how you gonna keep him home?

recorded for vocalion records (1923)