American Old Time Song Lyrics: 12 The Chestnut Bell

Theater, Music-Hall, Nostalgic, Irish & Historic Old Songs, Volume 12

THE "CHESTNUT" BELL.
Copyright, 1886, by Henry J. Wehman.

They've got a little bell that seems to suit folks well,
They ring it when you give a chestnut old;
You hear it everywhere, on every thoroughfare,
It sounds so very funny I am told.
When men come home at night, all in a fearful plight,
And tell their wives they are not feeling well,
That business kept them out, now, then beyond a doubt,
That's the time to ring the "chestnut "bell.

Duett.
When people try to tell you funny stories,
Or sing "Sweet Violets" or "Annie Lauries,"
And show you very clearly what a bore is,
Oh! that's the time to ring the "chestnut " bell!

The aldermen we've got are just an honest lot.
They never care for boodle I have heard;
But for our city's good they work, it's understood,
Tho' papers tell us this is quite absurd.
While Canada's so near, and over there they steer,
If any one of them should to you tell,
He hasn't made a cent, but is on pleasure bent,
That's the time to ring the "chestnut " bell.-Duet.

How oft a friend you see, a deacon he may be,
Who pops into a drug store every morn;
Of course it's not to drink, you wouldn't dare to think,
A bar-room, well you know, that he would scorn.
But when he slyly winks, and soda water drinks,
The drug man knows his customer quite well;
And if your friend should state, it wasn't whiskey straight,
That's the time to ring the "chestnut " bell.-Duet.