American Old Time Song Lyrics: 47 If I Were Only Pretty
Theater, Music-Hall, Nostalgic, Irish & Historic Old Songs, Volume 47
IF I WERE ONLY PRETTY.
Copyright, 1895, by The S. Brainard's Sons Co.
Words by Harry C. Clyde. Music by H. C. Verner.
A bonnie damsel in her garden, 'mid the flowers bright,
Once saw a fairy rise before her dressed in purest white;
"Be not afraid, my little dear," she heard the fairy say:
"I'm only sent to give to you your fondest wish to-day."
The lassie cried, "O, fairy-kind, such beauty to me bring
That all the maidens of our set shall envy me, and sing:
Refrain.
If I were only pretty, if I were sweet like you;
If I could steal your dimples and witching eyes Of blue;
If I were only pretty, and men for smiles would tease,
I'd make them all come pleading on their bended knees.
The fairy touched her with her wand, and quicker than a wink,
The little maiden blossomed out as pretty as a pick;
Then all about the earth she roamed, and every place she went,
At every nice young man who passed, a witching glance was sent;
But soon she met a lad and lass, two lovers true were they;
They seemed content, And stranger still, the lassie did not say:-Refrain.
Our pretty maid looked at the lad, in love with him she fell,
But, try her best, her winning smile could not upon him tell;
This lass was not a beauty rare, but he was satisfied;
Our pretty maid grew wild with love, and so, at last, she cried:
"I'd rather be myself again-oh, take these empty charms'
That win a world, but cannot woo one from another's arms."- Refrain.