Song and chorus, 1895, dedicated to Miss Irene Stearns.
words and music by Paul Dresser
arranged by John Francis Gilder
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by Benjamin R. Tubb:
Lyrics
- While strolling down the street one eve
Upon mere pleasure bent
‘Twas after business worries of the day
I saw a girl who shrank from me
In whom I recognized
My schoolmate in a village far away
“Is that you, Madge,” I said to her
She quickly turned away
“Don’t turn away, Madge, I am still your friend
Next week I’m going back to see
The old folks and I thought
Perhaps some message you would like to send”
Chorus
“Just tell them that you saw me”
She said, “They’ll know the rest
Just tell them I was looking well you know
Just whisper if you get a chance
To mother dear, and say
I love her as I did long, long ago”
- “Your cheeks are pale, your face is thin
Come tell me were you ill?
When last we met your eye shone clear and bright
Come home with me when I go, Madge
The change will do you good
Your mother wonders where you are tonight”
“I long to see them all again
But not just yet,” she said
“Tis pride alone that’s keeping me away
Just tell them not to worry
For I’m all right don’t you know
Tell mother I am coming home some day”
Sung here by Fred Feild: