Lyr Req: Be a Lady, Dear

Subject: Be A Lady, Dear
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 01 Sep 00 - 07:58 AM

A million years ago (well, 1964-ish) I read a little verse at the beginning of an article in Cosmopolitan (hey! I was a sophmore in high school!) that was credited as "folk song."

Needless to say, I've not run into it in folk song form (or any other) in the past 35 years. Anybody ever hear of a song with these words?

"Whatever else you do," her dying mother said
"Never let a married man lure you into bed.
But if he does, as often does, I fear,
Whatever else you do, be a lady, dear."

That's been taking up space in my random access memory (which is getting more and more random) for 35 years. Might as well find out if there's more to it.

Thanks.

Bat Goddess

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Be A Lady, Dear
From: Joe Offer
Date: 21 Aug 06 - 06:10 PM

I came across this thread as I was researching Don't Send My Boy to Harvard.

It just wouldn't do to leave Bat Goddess without an answer, even though the request is six years old.
-Joe-

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Be A Lady, Dear
From: Mr Happy
Date: 21 Aug 06 - 09:06 PM

Be A Lady Deer? - A doe?

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Be a Lady, Dear
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 22 Aug 06 - 11:40 PM

Maybe it's a parody of this song. I found it by searching for the phrase "whatever else."
(You can see the sheet music at The Lester S. Levy Collection of Sheet Music.)

MRS. GRUNDY
Words, George V. Hobart. Music, Victor Herbert. 1909.
Sung by Lew Fields in the musical comedy, "Old Dutch"

CHORUS: Oh, girls, be good; be good, I say, whatever else you do,
For Mrs. Grundy's eagle glance is ever fixed on you.
Oh, girls, be good; be good, I say. Don't roll your eyes about,
For Mrs. Grundy's looking, and she'll get you if you don't watch out.

[This song also has 2 verses that I didn't bother to transcribe.]