Cylinder of the Month

See also the Cylinders of the Month Archive.

For February 2000 . . .

This month:   An old love song for your valentine –
From 1891, the delightful Third Verse of Mary and John, or, The Lovers' Quarrel sung by Will White.

A charming ballad well sung by White; too bad we don't have the first two verses on record.

Mary and John, or, The Lovers' Quarrel
 
First verse.
Mary and John met in a distant old village, 
Fell deep in love, and were engag'd to be wed; 
But one fine day, up went the nose of sweet Mary, 
At what her John of some other girl had said; 
John only smiled, he was much given to teasing; 
And some old song softly he started to sing; 
Mary with rage ev'ry moment grew warmer, 
And at his feet she threw their engagement ring. 

Chorus.
"I won't be your wife", said Mary, 
"Thank goodness for that", said John. 
"I hate such a brute", said Mary, 
"But other girls don't", said John. 
"I'm going back to the dairy", 
"Perhaps it's as well", said he. 
"But I hope you will come to the wedding 
Of Mollie Malone and me!"

Second verse.
Mary turn'd round, and just went a step or two from him, 
Then looked at John, thinking he'd ask her to stay; 
For she felt sure he was already repenting; 
But all he said was, "Why don't you go away." 
Out came his pipe, soon clouds of smoke he was puffing 
Into the air, stretch'd out full length on the green; 
Mary stood by, somehow her heart was nigh breaking -- 
Had John become tired of his village queen?

Chorus.
"Well, am I to go?", said Mary, 
"Don't care a rap", said John. 
"To spite you I won't", said Mary, 
"Oh, may be you won't", said John. 
"Why are you so contrary!  
I'll drown myself now", said she. 
Said John, "On your way dear, Mary, 
Send Mollie Malone to me."

Third verse.
Tears filled her eyes, as with her apron she cover'd 
Her pretty face, heaving a heart-rending sigh; 
All now seem'd o'er, what was the use of her waiting; 
Just turning 'round she softly said, "John good-bye". 
Then like a dart, up sprang the young fellow all smiling, 
Touched to the heart by such a tender fare-well, 
And kissed the tears from off the sweet face of his Mary, 
Told her the tale fond lovers always tell.

Chorus.
Then Johnnie, he cuddled Mary, 
Mary she cuddled John. 
He vow'd that a fairer maiden, 
He never had gaz'd upon. 
Then Johnnie persuaded Mary 
To rest her head down on his breast, 
So with that I'll conclude the story, 
No doubt you will guess the rest.