Do you suppose the funny song was meant as a parody of this sentimental one? This song was immensely popular, judging from the fact that the Levy collection has 17 copies of various editions and various publishers, two of them marked "twentythird edition." Some editions omit the second verse.

THE OLD ARM CHAIR.
Words, Eliza Cook. Music, Henry Russell. 1840.

1. I love it, I love it, and who shall dare
To chide me for loving that old arm chair?
I've treasured it long as a holy prize.
I've bedew'd it with tears, and embalm'd it with sighs.
'Tis bound by a thousand bands to my heart.
Not a tie will break, not a link will start.
Would ye learn the spell? A mother sat there,
And a sacred thing is that old arm chair.

2. In childhood's home, I linger'd near
The hallow'd seat with list'ning ear;
And gentle words that mother would give,
To fit me to die, and teach me to live.
She told me shame would never betide,
With truth for my creed, and God for my guide;
She taught me to lisp my earliest prayer,
As I knelt beside that old arm chair.

3. I sat and watch'd her many a day
When her eyes grew dim, and her locks were grey;
And I almost worshipp'd her when she smil'd
And turn'd from her Bible to bless her child.
Years roll'd on, but the last one sped—
My idol was shatter'd, my earth-star fled;
I learn'd how much the heart can bear,
When I saw her die in that old arm chair.

4. 'Tis past! 'tis past! but I gaze on it now
With quivering breath and throbbing brow:
'Twas there she nurs'd me, 'twas there she died,
And mem'ry flows with lava tide.
Say it is folly, and deem me weak,
While the scalding drops start down my cheek;
But I love it, I love it, and cannot tear
My soul from a mother's old arm chair.

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recording here (click)