American Old Time Song Lyrics: 40 Dance Me On Your Knee

Theater, Music-Hall, Nostalgic, Irish & Historic Old Songs, Volume 40

DANCE ME ON YOUR KNEE.

When I was very young how fond I was of childish joys,
I loved to play among the girls, but better with the boys;
It was pussy in the Corner, tag and ineminie,
And when my ma put me in bed I would steal out on the sly.
I dared not make the slightest noise when getting back in bed,
The biggest boy would boost me in my window overhead;
I would go to sleep and dream I was a lady young and gay,
And when my me would take me up to her I used to say:

Chorus.
Dance me on your knee, mother, dance me on your knee;
Clasp your arms around my waist, it won't hurt me;
Hold me tight, don't let me fall, I won't be afraid at all.
Dance me, mother, dance me on your knee.

But when I wore long dresses first the little boys I shook,
As my ideas developed the bigger one I took;
Instead of childish games it was parties, social balls and drives,
Where'er I went I had my favorite escort by my side.
But when I tire of one young man another soon I take,
For there's a way of knowing how to give the boys a quiet shake;
And when I wish to call one back a smile would win the day-
I need but look upon his face and coaxingly this say:- Chorus.

I want to find a lover that will undertake the task,
And understand just what I want, and never have to ask.
If such can recommend himself I pray don't backward be,
But be sure you're brave and strong enough to dance me on your knee.
There's many a wish a young girl has she don't like to express,
There's many a time we answer no and heartily mean yes;
I always warn the fellows when we are sitting all alone,
Be sure don't rumple up my clothes and keep your hands at home.-Chorus.