Ballads & Songs of Southern Michigan-songbook

A Collection of 200+ traditional songs & variations with commentaries including Lyrics & Sheet music

Home Main Menu Singing & Playing Order & Order Info Support Search Voucher Codes



Share page  Visit Us On FB

Previous Contents Next
Humor
441
183 BACHELOR'S HALL
For somewhat similar texts see Fuson, p 133, and Sharp, II, 205-206. The present version was sung in 1935 by Mrs. Allan McClellan, near Bad Axe, who learned the song from her older sister.
1   When young girls get married, their pleasure is all gone; They doubt on their prospects, their troubles come on; They've a husband to brawl and children to squall, Which makes the girls' faces grow withered and old.
2   The young girls get sleepy; they rise up and say, "O boys, I am sleepy, I wish you would go away!" Those false-hearted lovers, O how I do scorn! Before they get home they will sleep in some barn.
3   It's early next morning when they will arise,
They'll brush oil the snow, and they'll wipe out their
eyes. They'll saddle their horses, and away they will ride Like a box of new diamonds, all picked up with pride.
4   It's when they get home, they will stagger and reel, Saying, "Curse on those girls, how sleepy I feel!" It is better for those men to court none at all,
For those that are single to keep bachelor's hall.