The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #142655   Message #3290156
Posted By: 12-stringer
13-Jan-12 - 03:21 PM
Thread Name: Lyr Req: The Merry Girl - Tommy Jarrell
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Merry Girl - Tommy Jarrell
Tune was originally recorded in 1927 by DaCosta Woltz' Southern Broadcasters (Ben Jarrell, fiddle, Frank Jenkins and DaCosta Woltz, banjos and vocal)

Such a merry girl am I and I'll tell you the reason why
It's because that I'm engaged to such a dear.
He comes to see me every day and when he goes away
These are the words he whispers in my ear.

Goodbye darling, I must leave you
One more kiss before I go.
I'll be back tomorrow night, if I cannot come I'll write
Just a word or so to let my darling know.

He has teeth as white as pearls, and such darling little curls,
And his name I cannot tell you [mumbled].
He's the joy of my life and I hope to be his wife
And these the words [mumbled]

(repeat chorus)

Now you young ladies when you find a love that's true and kind
You cannot be more happy I am sure,
It's so nice to have a beau to love and pet you so
And to kiss you when he leaves you at the door.

(repeat chorus)

To the gentlemen I would say that before you go away
From the lady that is dear to your heart.
You had better remember this, she expects a parting kiss
And a word or two like this before you go.

(repeat chorus)

Also recorded in 1930 as "One More Kiss Before I Go" by Lewis McDaniel and Gid [sic] Smith, with McDaniel on lead vocal and Walter "Kid" Smith on harmonica. Lyrics are slightly different but also considerably easier to understand. The opening yodel is optional.

Such a happy boy am I, and I'll tell you the reason why
It's because that I'm engaged to such a dear.
I go see her most every day, and when I go away
These are the words I whisper in her ear.

Goodbye, darling, I must leave you
One more kiss, one more kiss before I go
I'll be here tomorrow night, if I cannot come I'll write
Just a word or two to let my darling know.

She has teeth as white as pearls, she is such a darling girl
And her love is with me everywhere I go.
She's the joy of my life and she said she'd be my wife
And these words I'll no longer have to say.

(repeat chorus)

To young ladies, when you find a love as true and kind,
You can only happy be, I'm ensured.
It's so nice to have a beau to love and pet you so,
And to kiss you when he leaves you at the door.

(repeat chorus)

To young gentlemen I would say, when you're 'bliged to go away
From the lady that is dear to your heart.
You had better remember this, she expects a sweeter kiss
And a word or two like this before you go.

(repeat chorus)

Pop music, a little pre-ragtime, I would think.