American Old Time Song Lyrics: 24 Don't Say One Thing And Mean Another

Theater, Music-Hall, Nostalgic, Irish & Historic Old Songs, Volume 24

Don't Say One Thing and Mean Another
Words by Chas. Swain. Music by W. Palmer.

The little lane, the greenwood lane
Where Mary dwelt was gay with singing;
For brook and bird, in many a strain,
Down vale and moor their notes were flinging.
But Mary's heart was deaf to song,
No longer she her tears could smother;
For she had learnt at last 'twas wrong,
To say one thing and mean another.

'Tis right, 'tis due, when hearts are true,
To show the heart without deceiving;
And not to speak in idle freak,
To try if one's the power of grieving.
In Mary's heart and Mary's mind
She loved one youth and loved no other;
But Mary's tongue was oft inclined
To say one thing and mean another.

Would all might see, how sweet 'twould be,
If truth alone their words directed;
How many a day might then be gay,
That passeth now in tears dejected.
Would all might learn and all discern,
That truth keeps longest, friend or brother;
Then maids be kind and speak your mind,
Nor say one thing and mean another