By now, you may be a-wearyin'. But here is an 1883 Chicago version, followed by one more New York version, and then I'll let it alone for a while.

FOR GOODNESS' SAKE DON'T SAY I TOLD YOU

Uncredited lyricist, pub. Chicago, Richard A. Saalfield, 1883.

... first verse same as the original, then:

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

The policeman's pot hat is a big thing, you bet … When the summertime comes it will
        make the cops sweat …
All courage and soldierlike see they appear, they'll charge on the leads without pity or fear,
And never, oh! never go back on their beer, but …


FOR GOODNESS' SAKE DON'T SAY I TOLD YOU

Uncredited lyricist. Published S. T. Gordon, New York, 1883.

I beg you to listen to what I will say,
        For goodness sake, don't say I told you,
And I'll speak of events that happen each day,
        But for goodness sake don't say I told you,
I think you'll acknowledge before you depart
That I've fully and freely opened my heart,
And whatever I know, I to you will impart,
        But for goodness sake, don't say I told you.

Salmi Morse's new church is finished at last, for …
In despite of the fierce evangelical blast, but for …
And when he produces the famed Passion Play,
Brothers Beecher and Talmadge will two dollars pay,
To hear their dear friend Bob Ingersoll pray, but, for …

The War for sweet milk has ended at last, for ...
And the Dealers' monopoly a thing of the past, but for …
The Spiller's brief reign has been cut very short,
And the farmers determined to hold their own fort,
We can buy lacteal fluid for five cents a quart, but for …

A new fashion prevails in this curious age, for …
The collection of plaques seems to be all the rage, but for …
The mother, the sister, the aunt and the niece
Buy bundles of dry goods like so many geese,
And receive in exchange cards for two cents apiece, but for …

The Dublin excitement is going to close, for …
And Carey is hooted wherever he goes, but for …
And the truth will prevail just as sure as the sun,
And detectives declare before they have done
That the Elephant Jimbo is the famed Number One! but for …

The predictions of Wiggins have caused great alarm, for …
He said 'twould be cold and it proved very warm, but for …
They should send this false prophet to sea in a bowl,
Without any pay, provision or coal,
To build a new station at the famous North Pole, but for …

Now I'll bid you goodbye, or you'll think I'm a bore, for …
To tell you the truth, I don't know any more, but for …
So before I depart I kindly ask all
Who are fond of round dancing upon me to call
In Vanderbilt's mansion at our next Fancy Ball, but for …