After that, the song spread to both coasts and adapted itself to local conditions in the hands of eager rewrite men. A number of versions followed in 1883.

FOR GOODNESS' SAKE DON'T SAY I TOLD YOU

Verses by Geo. Cooper. Published Wm. A. Pond & Co., New York, 1883.

I'm going to whisper some words in your ear, but for …
Whatever I say, and whatever you heart, for …
I think you'll acknowledge before you depart
That I've unreservedly opened my heart,
And whatever I know I to you will impart, but for …

The great Brooklyn Bridge is our latest event, but for …
A nice promenade, and it's only a cent, for …
They go there to spoon 'neath the bright starry sky,
And many a time lips do meet on the sly,
It's funny to hear all the smacks passing by, but for …

A fresh importation of late is the "Dude," but for …
I'll describe it to you if you won't think I'm rude, for …
It looks like a billiard cue, chalked on the top,
And it flies down the street with a skip and hop,
They give them for chromos at any tea shop, but for …

Of corn-colored tresses the girls are now fond, but for …
You can't   tell nowadays a brunette from a blonde, for …
Such frizzes and curls on their heads now they hang
To give to the hearts of admirers a pang,
The latest thing out is a heat cow-tail bang, but for …

They bring breach of promise suits now ev'ry day, but for …
It fills a young fellow with fear and dismay, for …
You help a fair charmer to get in a stage,
A widow or maiden of uncertain age,
Next day a good lawyer she'll go to engage, but for …

Who'll be our next President? now is the cry, but for …
How many would like a nice slice of that pie? for …
The Nation's o'er full of most capable men,
But for quelling abuses by tongue and by pen,
I nominate here our old friend Uncle Ben! but for …