Guest;guest...here it is as my mother sung it...and a right good tear jerker it is...

Standing alone in the doorway, grinds the old hand organ man
Turning a shiny old handle, playing the best that he can
Not a soul stops for to listen, quickly they all pass the door
He heaves a sigh, as they go on by...they've heard his tunes before

Close beside the pavement stands a ittle miss
"Here's a penny, please sir, play me a tune for this."
Then the old man looks down at her; "Bless you, my sweet little maid,
If you will stay, and not run away, I'll play you my serenade."

After the ball was over (softly the organ did play)
After the dancers were leaving ("Please mister, come every day!")
Creep, baby, creep, mother is here beside you,
Creep, baby, creep, mother will surely guide you...
While the organ's playing, 'twas the last strain heard
Dear old sweet tunes, played morning and noon
It was an old serenade.

Time passed and still the wee maiden, came to that spot every day
Oh, how the old man's eye slistened, and how the organ did play
One day he missed his bright angel; poor man, his heart ached with pain
"Why don't she come, my little one?" He waited, but all in vain.

From a cosy cottage, just across the street
Came forth a lady, face so and sweet
"Baby is longing to see you; please mister don't be afraid.
She's going to die...oh please sir, don't cry...
but play her your serenade.

After the ball was over (softly the organ did play)
After the dancers were leaving ("Please mister, come every day!")
Creep, baby, creep, mother is here beside you,
Creep, baby, creep, mother will surely guide you...
While the organ's playing, 'twas the last strain heard
Dear old sweet tunes, played morning and noon
It was her last serenade.