The Kate Castleton version swept San Francisco in the same year. There were at least two. I include what I think is probably the first, and a few representative verses of the second, which goes deep into local politics. If you want to pursue it further, it is in the Levy Collection.

FOR GOODNESS' SAKE DON'T SAY I TOLD YOU

As sung by Miss Kate Castleton. By Charlie Reed and Wm. Emerson, of Emerson's Minstrels, Standard Theatre.    Published Sherman, Clay & Co., San Francisco, 1883.

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

They say that your boys are quite fond of us girls, but …
That when we smile on you, your head fairly whirls, but for …
That at us you are constantly making sheep's eyes,
That your bosoms are constantly heaving with sighs,
For my part I think you are awfully nice, but for …

I'm awfully modest, and awfully shy, but for …
But in spite of it all, I like fun on the sly, but for …
I'm sorry, so sorry for hearts that I break,
I know it ain't right, but I certainly take
In that line what is commonly known as the cake, but …

They're tearing the lampposts out just by the score, but for…
But now I don't think they'll tear up any more, but …
For returning from lodge on a cold winter night
The gents who are tired can't do without light,
And they''ll sing a grand chorus of "Now that's not right," but …

Of doggerel verse I've exhausted my store, but for …
My muse has declared she won't do so some more, but for …
From further demands, then, I pray you refrain,
My song breathes its last, and there let it remain,
Excuse these few words till I see you again, but for …


Verse lyrics beginning with verse 3 in another Kate Castleton sheet. Verses 4-8 are credited to Sam Booth and are devoted to local politics: the water supply, politicians, supervisors, the Temple and its deacons, and a Democrat sweep of Republicans in City Hall. Samples:

3. San Francisco has need of a charter, they say, but for …
They've printed a copy of one every day, but for …
Some people approve it because it is new,
But to tell what it's like is what no one can do!
For life is too short to read the thing through! But for …

5. Politicians are growing more honest, they say, but for …
They never accept any more than their pay, but for …
Civil Service reform they will preach when they're out,
But when they get in, it's a matter of doubt,
And the more they want office, the louder they shout, but for …

8. Our politics made many changes last fall, but for …
They say they played hob in the new City Hall, but for …
Republicans trembled in view of their fate,
The Democrats swept them clean out of the state,
And left not a grease spot their fall to relate, but for …