A 1871 popular song.
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by Benjamin R. Tubb:
Lyrics
- (Rachel) Reuben, I have long been thinking
What a good world this might be
If the men were all transported
Far beyond the Northern Sea
(Reuben) Rachel, I have been long been thinking
What a fine world this might be
If we had some more young ladies
On this side the Northern Sea
Chorus:
(Reuben) Too ral loo ral loo
(Rachel) Too ral loo ral
(Reuben) Too ral loo ral loo
(Rachel) Too ral lee
(Both simultaneous!)
(Rachel) If the men were all transported
Far beyond the Northern Sea
(Reuben) If we had some more young ladies
On this side the Northern Sea
- (Rachel) Reuben, I’m a poor lone woman
No one seems to care for me
I wish the men were all transported
Far beyond the Northern Sea
(Reuben) I’m a man without a victim
Soon I think there’s one will be
If the men are not transported
Far beyond the Northern Sea - (Rachel) Reuben, what’s the use of fooling
Why not come up like a man?
If you’d like to have a “lover”
I´m for life your “Sally Ann.”
(Reuben) Oh my goodness! oh my gracious!
What a queer world this would be
If the men were all transported
Far beyond the Northern Sea - (Rachel) Reuben, now do stop your teazing
If you’ve any love for me
I was only just a-fooling
As I thought of course you’d see
(Reuben) Rachel, I will not transport you
But will take you for a wife
We will live on “milk and honey”
Better or worse, we’re in for life
Sung here by Fred Feild: