To Thread - Forum Home

The Mudcat Café TM
https://mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=142655
5 messages

Lyr Req: The Merry Girl - Tommy Jarrell

13 Jan 12 - 09:30 AM (#3289934)
Subject: Lyr Req: The Merry Girl - Tommy Jarrell
From: GUEST,Abby the Spoon Lady

I am searching for the lyrics to THE MERRY GIRL which is on a Tommy Jarrell album I have.......   Anyone able to help???


13 Jan 12 - 03:21 PM (#3290156)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Merry Girl - Tommy Jarrell
From: 12-stringer

Tune was originally recorded in 1927 by DaCosta Woltz' Southern Broadcasters (Ben Jarrell, fiddle, Frank Jenkins and DaCosta Woltz, banjos and vocal)

Such a merry girl am I and I'll tell you the reason why
It's because that I'm engaged to such a dear.
He comes to see me every day and when he goes away
These are the words he whispers in my ear.

Goodbye darling, I must leave you
One more kiss before I go.
I'll be back tomorrow night, if I cannot come I'll write
Just a word or so to let my darling know.

He has teeth as white as pearls, and such darling little curls,
And his name I cannot tell you [mumbled].
He's the joy of my life and I hope to be his wife
And these the words [mumbled]

(repeat chorus)

Now you young ladies when you find a love that's true and kind
You cannot be more happy I am sure,
It's so nice to have a beau to love and pet you so
And to kiss you when he leaves you at the door.

(repeat chorus)

To the gentlemen I would say that before you go away
From the lady that is dear to your heart.
You had better remember this, she expects a parting kiss
And a word or two like this before you go.

(repeat chorus)

Also recorded in 1930 as "One More Kiss Before I Go" by Lewis McDaniel and Gid [sic] Smith, with McDaniel on lead vocal and Walter "Kid" Smith on harmonica. Lyrics are slightly different but also considerably easier to understand. The opening yodel is optional.

Such a happy boy am I, and I'll tell you the reason why
It's because that I'm engaged to such a dear.
I go see her most every day, and when I go away
These are the words I whisper in her ear.

Goodbye, darling, I must leave you
One more kiss, one more kiss before I go
I'll be here tomorrow night, if I cannot come I'll write
Just a word or two to let my darling know.

She has teeth as white as pearls, she is such a darling girl
And her love is with me everywhere I go.
She's the joy of my life and she said she'd be my wife
And these words I'll no longer have to say.

(repeat chorus)

To young ladies, when you find a love as true and kind,
You can only happy be, I'm ensured.
It's so nice to have a beau to love and pet you so,
And to kiss you when he leaves you at the door.

(repeat chorus)

To young gentlemen I would say, when you're 'bliged to go away
From the lady that is dear to your heart.
You had better remember this, she expects a sweeter kiss
And a word or two like this before you go.

(repeat chorus)

Pop music, a little pre-ragtime, I would think.


14 Feb 12 - 09:11 AM (#3308309)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Merry Girl - Tommy Jarrell
From: GUEST,Abby the Spoon Lady

Thank you thank you! I wonder, is this a Jarrell family tune?


25 Jul 12 - 04:58 PM (#3381464)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Merry Girl - Tommy Jarrell
From: GUEST,Blkbanjoman

I love this tune. Am sitting with a few tunes this summer trying to get my right hand more accurate and relaxed. This is one tune that I'd love to learn to sing and play. It's so beautiful... Thanks for posting the lyrics. It's in (banjo) Double D, right? Regards.


25 Jul 12 - 05:16 PM (#3381470)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Merry Girl - Tommy Jarrell
From: GUEST

According to Tommy Jarrell's version from Pickin' On The Porch, the first "mumbled" verses from this song are "By the way" and the second are "you often get to hear."

Take care.

Guy