The Runt Lyrics - Hank Snow

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