American Old Time Song Lyrics: 08 The Lily Of The West

Theater, Music-Hall, Nostalgic, Irish & Historic Old Songs, Volume 8

The Lily of the West.

I just came down from Louisville, some pleasure for to find-
A handsome girl from Michigan, so pleasing to my mind;
Her rosy cheeks and rolling eyes, like arrows, pierced my breast,
They call her handsome Mary, the Lily of the West.

I courted her for many a day, her love I thought to gain;
Too soon she slighted me, which caused me grief and pais;
She robbed me of my liberty-deprived me of my rest-
They call her handsome Mary, the Lily of the West.

One evening, as I rambled down by yon shady grove,
I met a lord, of high degree, conversing with my love;
He sang, he sang so merrily, whilst I was sore oppressed-
He sang for handsome Mary, the Lily of the West.

I rushed up to my rival, a dagger in my hand,
I tore him from my true love, and boldly bade him stand-
Being mad to desparation, my dagger pierced his breast-
I was betrayed by Mary, the Lily of the West.

Now my trial has come on, and sentence*] soon I'll be;
They put me in the criminal box, and there convicted me.
She so deceived the jury-so modestly did dress-
She far outshine Venus-the Lily of the West.

Since then I've gained my liberty, I'll rove the country through;
I'll travel the city over, to find my loved one true;
Although she stole my liberty, and deprived me of my rest.
Still I love my Mary, the Lily of the West.