Historic Sheet Music Collection

Title

Old Maid

Authors

Old Maid

Document Type

Score

Publication Date

1837

Comments

The Old Maid: When I Was a Girl of Eighteen
A popular song arranged for the piano forte
Dedicated to The old bachelor

Boston. Published by C. Bradlee 135 Washington Street

Some of the resources may contain offensive language or negative stereotypes. Such materials should be seen in the context of the time period and as a reflection of attitudes of the time. The items are part of the historical record, and do not represent the views of the libraries or the institution.

Lyrics

When I was a girl of eighteen years old
I was scornful as scornful could be
I was taught to expect wit wisdom and gold
And nothing less would do for me

Ah those were the days when my eyes beam'd bright
And my cheek was like the rose on the tree
And the ringlets they curl'd o'er my forehead so white
And lovers came courting to me

The first was a youth any girl might adore
And as ardent as lover could be
But my mother having heard the young man was poor
Why! he would not do for me

And then hobbled in, my favour to beg
An officer in our navy
But tho' famous in arms he wanted a leg
So he would not do for me

And now came a lawyer his claims to support
By precedents from Chaucery
But I told him I was judge in my own little court
And he wold not do for me

The next was a dandy who had driven four in hand
Reduced to a Gig- d'ye see
In getting o'er the ground he had run thro' his land
So he would not do for me

I'd a suitor from the South and another from the West
I think from the state of Tennesee
But one was rather old the other badly drest
So neither of them suited me

These were nearly the last - I was then forty-four
I am now only just fifty three
But I really think that some I rejected before
Would not do very well for me

Then all ye young ladies by me warning take
Who scornful or cold chance to be
Lest ye from your fond silly dreams should awake
Old Maidens of Fifty three

COinS
 

The views expressed in this paper are solely those of the author.