American Old Time Song Lyrics: 42 Dear Old Boys
Theater, Music-Hall, Nostalgic, Irish & Historic Old Songs, Volume 42
DEAR OLD BOYS.
Copyright, 1893, by Francis, Day & Hunter.
Written and Composed by Felix McGlennon.
What a lot of pals we have when we've got the rhino,
What a lot of pals we have when we've got the chink;
How they cluster 'round us, too, ah! don't you and I know;
How they praise our virtues and at all our failings wink.
Gaily, gaily, hear them laugh and sing;
Good boys, true boys, faithfully they'll cling;
Night or day, they'll never leave our side,
But have you ever noticed how they'll watch the changing tide?
Chorus.
When you ask them will they take a drink, it's "Dear old boy ";
When you make them welcome to your chink, then it's "Dear old boy."
Ah! but when you're down upon your luck and cannot pay the score,
Then it's "Dear old boy "no more.
When you haven't got a rap how your friends forsake you,
To each other they will say, "What a fool he's been."
They know very well they lent a helping hand to break you,
And when they've accomplished that its "Wasn't Juggins green?"
Sadly, sadly you will gaze around,
Hoping that one true friend can be found;
Then you see you've foolish been and rash.
It was not you they loved at all, 'twas but your pile of cash.
Chorus.
When you ask them will they stand a drink, it's "Poor old boy,"
When you ask them will they lend some chink, then it's "Can't, old boy;"
When they see you're down upon your luck they will not pay the score,
And it's "Dear old boy "no more.
Keep your head screwed on straight, boys, when you've got the rhino,
Do not let a lot of hawks pluck you like a jay;
You will find a lot who would with you dine and wine, oh!
But likewise me, look ahead for the rainy day.
All! boys, good boys, have your little fling,
But, boys, wise boys, don't spend ev'rything;
You will find, when changed may be your lot,
Your pocket is the only true and useful friend you've got.
Chorus.
When you ask them will they take a drink, it's "Dear old boy;"
When you make them welcome to your chink, then it's "Dear old boy."
Ah! but when you're down upon your luck and cannot pay the score,
Then it's "Dear old boy "no more.