American Old Time Song Lyrics: 47 No Not I
Theater, Music-Hall, Nostalgic, Irish & Historic Old Songs, Volume 47
NO! NOT I.
Copyright, by The Temple Music Co.
Words by Geo. H. Cate. Music by Lois Read Cate.
I know a pretty maiden, whose heart is joyous, light and free;
Oft I hear her singing, and her voice is full of glee;
If you'll lend an ear, this is what you'll hear:
Oh, I have a sweetheart, dearly he loves me;
Though he has not told me, I have eyes to see;
How I love to tease him, love to make him sigh;
I'm not had for the asking-No! not not I.
I love my girlhood's freedom, no silken chains of love for me;
I have my own ambitions, and I will not hindered be-
I will make it plain, that he sues in vain;
Yet I love to see him looking at me so;
All his manly beauty seta my heart aglow;
To the fateful question I must make reply,
I will not surrender-No! not not I.
And yet 'twas not intended for girls to go through life alone;
'Tis love that makes the world go round, and true it is, I own;
I was in the wrong, guess I'll change my song;
When he comes a-wooing, noble, strong and true,
How can I refuse him. how can I-would your
When his love is pleading, can I love deny?
I won't hurt his feelings-Not not not I.