Scott Joplin’s first published sheet music, 1895
words and music by Scott Joplin
The sheet music:
Accompaniment – IMSLP Petrucci Music Library:
Lyrics
- Closed in the parlor we are alone
Happy to be with one that I love
I’ll ask you kindly, oh, Mamie dove
Do speak just a few words to bind us in love
I will confess that I have been false
The other girl was really the cause
She is a flirt, too, and never still
I don’t love none but you, please say you will
Chorus
Must I plead, must I kneel and you not forgive?
Has your heart, love, been sealed, do you love me still?
You have always been true, now why not forgive?
I don’t love none but you, please say you will
- Oh, Mamie, loved one, don’t treat me so
You have forsaken, where will I go?
Bowed on my knees I pray once again
Forgive me my loved one, for I am to blame
Once you were kind and kissed me so sweet
The other girl has folled me complete
Now I will live true, why not forgive?
I don’t love none but you, please say you will - Now we must part, love, I’ll ask again
Don’t let this pleading be all in vain
You know I love you, why not forgive?
For my heart is broken, oh, please say you will
Let us agree, love, open your heart
Don’t let that flirt now keep us apart
I am so humble and pleading still
I don’t love none but you, please say you will
Sung here by Fred Feild: