The Young Obadiah and the Old Obadiah.
A 1879 moral song.
Words and music by Henry P. Lyste.
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
1. Said the young Obadiah, to the old Obadiah
"I am dry, Obadiah, I am dry"
Said the old Obadiah, to the young Obadiah
"So am I, Obadiah, so am I
But the two Obadiahs had between them not a sou
Every Publican smiled and said
Oh ho! my friend, it's you?
May I ask Obadiah, if you'll pay what is due?
Said the two Obadiahs, O be d d, O be d d
2. Said the young Obadiah, to the old Obadiah
I've a plan, Obadiah, I've a plan
Said the old Obadiah, to the young Obadiah
If that's so, Obadiah, I'm your man
Said the young Obadiah, For weak liquor don't repine
For my Landlady's uncle sells a proper sort of wine
It's in quarts Obadiah, and it's called Paraffine
Said the old Obadiah, "That'll do"
3. Said the young Obadiah, to the old Obadiah
What a joke, Obadiah, what a joke
Said the old Obadiah, to the young Obadiah
Let us smoke, Obadiah, let us smoke
For I wouldn't hint for worlds that the liquor isn't right
But its potent, Obadiah, and I feel I'm getting tight
So just hand me the 'baccabox and serve out a light
Obadiah, Obadeeah, Obaday
4. Said the young Obadiah, to the old Obadiah
I am drier, Obadiah, I am drier
Said the old Obadiah, to the young Obadiah
I'm on fire, Obadiah, I'm on fire
As the two Obadiahs were consumed by their thirst
The neighbors hurried in and prevented all worst
By pumping so hard that the engines all burst
Obadiah, Obadiah, didn't die
MORAL.
Said the old Obadiah, to the young Obadiah
A lesson, Obadiah, I have learnt
Said the young Obadiah, to the old Obadiah
I am burnt, Obadiah, I am burnt
And because, Obadiah, we did all but cremate
In future we'll try to avoid such a fate
Oh! smoking and drinking are sins very great
Said the old Obadiah "Stick to tea!"