The 1881 song "For Goodness' Sake Don't Say I Told You" became a publishing phenomenon, going through numerous versions in the '80s.

More than that, this catchy number acted almost like a traditional song in that it adapted itself to local conditions and spawned new lyrics wherever it went. Though Arthur Lloyd's sturdy tune continued throughout, sets of new verses were written and sung, most of them on local political topics, always retaining the first verse of the original, which had been a cute ingenue song for the stage.

Eventually it entered country music in "For Goodness Sakes Don't Say I Told You," by Uncle Dave Macon and Sid Harkreader, Vocalion 5374, recorded in Chicago c. January 1930, with humorous verses by Uncle Dave.

Following are some of the principal versions. Let's start with the one that (I believe) started the craze in 1881, though in his Country Music Sources, Gus Meade refers to one I haven't seen, with lyrics by George Russell Jackson. (If you know of an earlier version, or indeed any not included here, add it to the thread, please!!!)   Bob

Sources: Levy Collection, Maine Music Box archive

FOR GOODNESS' SAKE DON'T SAY I TOLD YOU
or, I'M A SWEET LITTLE GIRL

As sung by Miss Maggie Duncan. Words Earl Marble, music Arthur Lloyd. c 1881, White, Smith & Co., New York.

I'm going to whisper some words in your ear,   
But for goodness' sake, don't say I told you,   
Whatever I say, and whatever you hear,   
For goodness' sake don't say I told you,   
I think you'll acknowledge before you depart   
That I've   unreservedly opened my heart,   
What- ever I know, I to you will impart,   
But, for goodness' sake, don't say I told you.

I'm a sweet little girl, so the boys all say, but …
And though I am innocent, just a bit gay, but …
And all of my mischief is done on the sly,
With a pout of my lips, and a glance of my eye,
I'm terribly proper, but awfully fly, but …

I think just the jolliest time for a lark, but …
Is a moonlight night in a quiet park, but …
With a fond arm around you, goodbye to the blues,
Let all others just mind their Ps and Qs,
All the birds are asleep and can't carry the news, but …

I don't care a fig for this mere surface show, but …
I never get fast, though I never go slow, but …
I don't think that all of the goodness we see
So carefully labeled, is goodness for me,
It is only pretense, and I call it N.G.* — but …

*no good.