The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #49210   Message #1204063
Posted By: Jim Dixon
09-Jun-04 - 11:53 PM
Thread Name: Origins:Little Chickens in the Garden/Farmer's Dau
Subject: Lyr Add: THE LITTLE CHICKENS IN THE GARDEN
From The Library of Congress American Memory Collection:

THE FARMER'S DAUGHTER
or
THE LITTLE CHICKENS IN THE GARDEN.
Adapted by F. Louis. Music & words by James A. Bland. 1878.

I once did know a farmer, and he was a faithful soul.
He used to work upon his farm around his country home.
He had an only daughter and to win her I did try,
And when I asked her father wise, the old man did reply:

CHORUS: "Treat my daughter kindly, and say you'll do no harm,
And when I die I'll leave you both my little stock and farm:
My horse, my cow, my sheep, my plow, my home, my pump, my barn,
And all the little chickens in the garden."

I loved this young girl dearly and I thought that she loved me,
And ev'ry evening I would go her lovely face to see,
And watch her milk her father's cow. In it, I saw no harm,
And lots of fun I'd always have before I'd left the barn. CHORUS

Her father has consented and we two will married be.
We'll own our little country home and live in harmony.
No sorrow seems to hover o'er our little cottage home,
For all is blithe and happiness although we live alone. CHORUS