The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #39259   Message #786072
Posted By: Joe Offer
17-Sep-02 - 04:04 PM
Thread Name: Origins: Give My Love to Nell
Subject: ADD Version: Give My Love to Nell
This is almost the same as what we have in the Digital Tradition, but there are a few differences that might be helpful. I see no reason why it should be added to the database.
-Joe Offer-


GIVE MY LOVE TO NELL

Three years ago since Jack and Joe
Set sail across the foam
Each vowed a fortune he would make
Before returning home
In one short year Jack gained his wealth
And started home that day
And when these pals shook hands to part
Poor Joe could only say:

REFRAIN
Give my love to Nellie, Jack
And kiss her once for me
The sweetest girl in all this world
I'm sure you will agree
Treat her kindly Jack, old pal
And tell her I am well
His parting words were, "Don't forget
To give my love to Nell."

Three years had passed when Joe at last
Gained wealth enough for life
He started home across the foam
To make sweet Nell his wife
But when he learned that Jack and Nell
One year ago had wed
With sobs and tears he now regrets
That he had ever ever said:

REFRAIN

They chanced to meet upon the street
Joe said, "You selfish elf,
The next girl that I learn to love
I'll kiss her for myself
But all is fair in love, they say
As you have gone and wed
I'll not be angry with you, Jack,"
So once again he said:

Source: Alfred E. Brumley's "Songs of the Pioneers," Volume 1
There's a recording at the American Memory Collection (click) of the Library of Congress. I don't know how to link directly to the recording - search for the exact phrase Jack and Joe.