She had a house on a boat by the river
Birds and cats and dogs there with her
Took in the sick and the lame that she found
They all came to her from miles around

She took in all the lost and the hopeless
That no-one else was able to cope with
Her little house overflowed through the door
But she always said there’s room for more

Chorus:
Don’t look down on what you don’t understand
Somebody’s got to give a helping hand
Someday you may need a hand
So don’t look down on what you don’t understand

The rain got in through those shabby old timbers
She shivered in winter, blew on her fingers
When the wind got high it cut just like a knife

Once all her neighbours got up a petition
To get her house in a better condition
Though she was hurt, she didn’t get fussed
She just said, I’ve got to do what I must.

Chorus:
Don’t look down on what you don’t understand
Somebody’s got to give a helping hand
Someday you may need a hand
So don’t look down on what you don’t understand

When I asked her how she could meet her expenses
She just laughed, I take my chances
Then I saw her late one night
All alone ‘neath a cold street light

A car drove up right out of the night
A guy stepped out and he gave her the eye
She got in, drove off withe guy
It was then that I knew what she did to get by

Chorus:
Don’t look down on what you don’t understand
Somebody’s got to give a helping hand
Someday you may need a hand
So don’t look down on what you don’t understand