Old Brown's Daughter

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Old Brown's Daughter is a popular Newfoundland folk song. It was written by Johnny Burke (1851-1930), a popular St. John's balladeer.

It was covered by Great Big Sea on their 1999 album, Turn.

[edit] Lyrics

There is an ancient party at the other end of town,

He keeps a little grocery store and the ancient's name is Brown;

He has a lovely daughter, such a treat I never saw,

Oh, I only hope someday to be the old man's son-in-law.

Old Brown sells from off the shelf most anything you please,

He's got Jew's harps for the little boys, lollipops, and cheese;

His daughter minds the store, and it's a treat to see her serve,

I'd like to run away with her, but I don't have the nerve.

And it's Old Brown's daughter is a proper sort of girl,

Old Brown's daughter is as fair as any pearl;

I wish I was a Lord Mayor, Marquis, or an Earl,

And blow me if I wouldn't marry Old Brown's girl.

Well Poor Old Brown now has trouble with the gout,

He grumbles in his little parlour when he can't get out;

And when I make a purchase and she hands me the change,

That girl she makes me pulverised, I feel so very strange.

And it's Old Brown's daughter is a proper sort of girl,

Old Brown's daughter is as fair as any pearl;

I wish I was a Lord Mayor, Marquis, or an Earl,

And blow me if I wouldn't marry Old Brown's girl.

Miss Brown she smiles so sweetly when I say a tender word,

But Old Brown says that she must wed a Marquis or a Lord;

Well, I don't suppose it's ever one of those things I will be,

But, by jingo, next election I will run for Trinity.

And it's Old Brown's daughter is a proper sort of girl,

Old Brown's daughter is as fair as any pearl;

I wish I was a Lord Mayor, Marquis or an Earl,

And blow me if I wouldn't marry Old Brown's girl.

Blow me if I wouldn't marry Old Brown's girl.

[edit] See also

• List of Newfoundland songs