American Old Time Song Lyrics: 27 Dear Old Nursery Rhymes

Theater, Music-Hall, Nostalgic, Irish & Historic Old Songs, Volume 27

DEAR OLD NURSERY RHYMES.
Copyright, l890, by Balmer & Weber Music House Co.
Words and Music by Wm. D. Hall.

When but a child, 'twas long ago, my nurse these stories told.
And with a boy's simplicity I valued them as gold-
Time and again I've listened to her fables strange and queer,
And during winter weather gathered round the fire to hear
The fate of poor "Cock Robin "and the tale of "Jack and Jill ";
Whene'er she'd tell "Red Hiding-hood" o'er me 'twould send a chill;
No more I'll hear those legends told, with such joy and sublime;
There dwells within my heart a love for those old nursery rhymes.

Chorus.
Where's the heart that does not keep some fond remembrance hidden deep
Who hath not saved some trifle to treasure and enshrine?'
No harp can boast of sweeter notes, nor bells of sweeter chimes
I love them more than diamonds rare, those dear old nursery rhymes.

In after years, when I recall the days of pleasure past,
I think of joyous hours that have flown away so fast,
When some forgotten air I hear brings back past scenes to me.
Which gently claims a list'ning ear. and then methinks I see
The play room with its splendor, with the old nurse sitting there,
Telling me sweet stories from her old arm-chair;
My childhood was a golden time, then all the world was bright,
For sunshine came with ev'ry morn, And sweet dreams came at night.- Cho.

When grown a man I often smiled, rememb'ring all these things,
To think when I was but a child, fond recollections bring,
To mem'ry many happy days I'll see again no more.
Along with the old play-room and the clock above the door,
At night-time when my prayers were said, into my crib I'd creep,
To reach the land of slumber to the music of "Bo-peep,"
With fragrant retrospections now my eyes reflect in tears,
When those melodies divine fall sweet upon my ears. --Chorus.