American Old Time Song Lyrics: 25 Caseys Wife

Theater, Music-Hall, Nostalgic, Irish & Historic Old Songs, Volume 25

CASEY'S WIFE.
Copyright, 1889, by Spauldlng & Kounder.
Words and Music by Joseph Flynn.

Oh, my name is Michael Mooney, and I'm nearly driven looney
Since the day I married Barney Casey's wife;
She was a bouncing Irish widdy, well to do and fairly pretty,
And I thought we'd lead a quiet, happy life.
But the moment we were one, she was sorry it was done.
And on me she wreaks her vengeance ev'ry day;
If my mouth I dare to open, for an axe she will be gropin',
And my life she'll threaten for to take away.

Chorus.
Oh, she licks me and she kicks me ev'ry morning, night and noon,
She plays a game of polo with my coco and the broom;
But her days of fun are over, I am going to have my rights.
Yes, her temper I will break or I will murder Casey's wife.

Now she has a strapping brother, and a fat slob of a mother.
And of course her side they take in ev'ry thing;
Both around the house are shirking while I am away at working.
And of ev'rything I own they're queen and king,
They have rows with all the neighbors, and the beer they drink, be gabers,
Is enough to keep them soaking for a week;
But if I should chance to mutter, I am landed in the gutter,
Then they dance on me till I cannot speak.

Chorus.
Oh, she downs me and she pounds me, and she beats me black and blue,
Her mother grabs the poker, and she takes a hand In, too;
But I am going to pluck up courage and some day I'll have her life,
For I feel it in my bones that I'll be hung for Casey's wife.

Now the death of Barney Casey must have driven Mary crazy,
For she never showed her temper so before;
I used often to admire her to myself and say:
No finer woman ever walked on earth here to adore.
Ah, but since she married me, though, why, I cannot see,
She tries to make me out her little slave;
It would be her greatest pleasure, for a coffin to have me measured,
And to lay me down with Casey in his grave.

Chorus.
Arrah, Missus Barney Casey, oh, why did I marry you?
The terror of my life, she has my heart near broke in two;
She was always hugging Casey, now she's always slugging me.
But some day we will have trouble, and her murderer I'll be.