American Old Time Song Lyrics: 31 Could I Only Spot The Winner

Theater, Music-Hall, Nostalgic, Irish & Historic Old Songs, Volume 31

Could I Only Spot the Winner.

Behold in me one who has lost a fortune on the "field,"
But still my great propensity is to never, never yield.
I've "made a book," I've taken "tips," I've edged, I've squared, I've crossed,
But when I've balanced my accounts, I've found that I have lost.

Chorus.
Could I only spot the winner, what a happy man I'd be,
I'd spare enough to share enough, to show my charity.
I'd be a second Peabody, I'd stand a great big dinner
To all my little, good old jovial pals, could I only spot the winner.

I've studied sporting papers 'till they've nearly driven me mad;
I've known each horse's pedigree; since I was quite a lad.
I've tried all sorts of dodges, and committed many a sin.
But misfortune's been my fortune, for my fortune I can't win.

Chorus.
Could I only spot the winner, a different man I'd be,
For I'd spend some dollars on linen collars, no more paper for me.
No more would I eat trotters and tripe by the gas-light's nightly glimmer.
But a jolly blow out on beefsteak and stout, could I only spot the winner.

I've mingled with the fancy, and I've won the whitest hats;
On shaking-hand terms I have been with all the sharps and flats,
I've bribed the jocks, to make 'em lose, they've won the race instead.
And so I've parted with my coin, these words I've often said:

Chorus.
Could I only spot the winner, Bradlaugh I'd go and see,
And ask Mrs. Bresant if she thought it decent to talk on philosophy;
I'd sport my rhino like a prince, if I was not a skinner,
I'd treat you all with civility, could I only back the winner.

Fain't heart ne'er won fair lady, so I'll have another try.
And as long as I've a fiver, boys, by jove, I'll ne'er die.
I know my luck will change some day, so I'll not throw up the sponge.
And whilst my locker holds a shot, I'll have another plunge.

Chorus.
And I'll try and spot the winner, and let you have rent free,
For I'll win some siller, and purchase a villa, or a cottage by the sea.
No more will I eat herrings red for breakfast or for dinner,
But eggs and ham and gooseberry jam, could only I spot the winner.