A popular song from 1908.
Words and music by Harry Gifford.
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
- I’m not the merry widow
For I’m feeling far from gay
Although I always wore a smile
‘Till poor John pass’d away
Forever since the happy day
That I became his wife
I’ve always felt I couldn’t have
Enough of married life
Not very long do I intend
A widow to remain
For after all I don’t see
Why I shouldn’t wed again?
My one desire is for a friend
Who’ll kind and loving be
Someone to start where John left off
And make a fuss of me
Chorus
So, is anybody looking for a widow?
Mine’s a most deserving case
Poor John! now he’s gone
I want somebody to take his place
I’ll make a loving little wife
If you want to get off this term?
And don’t forget there’s nothing like dealing
With an old established firm
- I’ve got a cosy little flat
That won’t cost you a cent
For John’s insurance money
Is enough to pay the rent
There’s also two nice suits of clothes
He’d always get up strong
The trousers I could shorten
If you found they were too long
A widow, too, should be preferred
To any simple miss
She knows the tricks of all the trade
That brings connubial bliss
I don’t mind if he’s dark or fair
He need not ask me twice
For if he’s anything like John
He must be very nice - John couldn’t see me want for cash
He wasn’t quite that sort
And though he wasn’t liberal
He never kept me short
He’d tell me just to help myself
Altho’ since we were wed
His trousers ev’ry night
He’d hang up his side of the bed
Although I told poor John
To wed again would be unkind
I think if someone press’d me
I perhaps may change my mind
The happyhome is all complete
So pray don’t be afraid
And in case he’s fond of children
I’ve a fam’ly ready made