- Old Brown's Daughter
-
Old Brown's Daughter was an English music hall song, sung by Alfred Vance, and became a Newfoundland folk song. It was written by G.W. Hunt (1839-1904), circa 1878, although it is often wrongly credited to Johnny Burke (1851-1930). It was in the repertoire of English folk singer Walter Pardon on his 1975 album, A Proper Sort.[1] Peter Bellamy also sang a version of Old Brown's Daughter[2] on his 1975 self-titled album.[3] In 1991, Damien Barber recorded the song for Fellside Records and it was released on the compilation Voices in 1992. The melody was rewritten by Newfoundland singer/songwriter Ron Hynes and Hynes' version was covered by Great Big Sea on their 1999 album, Turn.
Lyrics
- There is an ancient party at the other end of town,
- He keeps a little grocery store and the ancient's name is Brown;
- He has a lovely daughter, such a treat I never saw,
- Oh, I only hope someday to be the old man's son-in-law.
- Old Brown sells from off the shelf most anything you please,
- He's got Jew's harps for the little boys, lollipops, and cheese;
- His daughter minds the store, and it's a treat to see her serve,
- I'd like to run away with her, but I don't have the nerve.
- And it's Old Brown's daughter is a proper sort of girl,
- Old Brown's daughter is as fair as any pearl;
- I wish I was a Lord Mayor, Marquis, or an Earl,
- And blow me if I wouldn't marry Old Brown's girl.
- Well Poor Old Brown now has trouble with the gout,
- He grumbles in his little parlour when he can't get out;
- And when I make a purchase and she hands me the change,
- That girl she makes me pulverised, I feel so very strange.
- And it's Old Brown's daughter is a proper sort of girl,
- Old Brown's daughter is as fair as any pearl;
- I wish I was a Lord Mayor, Marquis, or an Earl,
- And blow me if I wouldn't marry Old Brown's girl.
- Miss Brown she smiles so sweetly when I say a tender word,
- But Old Brown says that she must wed a Marquis or a Lord;
- Well, I don't suppose it's ever one of those things I will be,
- But, by jingo, next election I will run for Trinity.
- And it's Old Brown's daughter is a proper sort of girl,
- Old Brown's daughter is as fair as any pearl;
- I wish I was a Lord Mayor, Marquis or an Earl,
- And blow me if I wouldn't marry Old Brown's girl.
- Blow me if I wouldn't marry Old Brown's girl.
References
- Record #58 Database: Both Oxford OLIS and Bodleian Pre-1920 Catalogues, entry reproduced online
See also
Categories:- Music hall songs
- Newfoundland and Labrador folk songs
- Folk song stubs
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