American Old Time Song Lyrics: 33 Snake In The Grass
Theater, Music-Hall, Nostalgic, Irish & Historic Old Songs, Volume 33
SNAKE IN THE GRASS.
Copyright, 1883, by S. T. Gordon & Son.
Words and Music by Dan Lewis.
I've an object in view, which I'll explain to you,
'Bout people you'll take as your friend;
They'll ride in your carriage and dine with you, too,
And ask you if you've money to lend;
And should you tell them no, behind your back they'll go,
And run you down to the very last;
And that is my motto, which I wish to explain,
That I call a snake in the grass.
Chorus.
Don't let smooth talk make you too many friends.
You might know what they were in the past;
You must find out the future before going ahead,
And think of the snake in the grass.
Sometimes you'll meet with a man that will treat,
And pretends that he knows you well;
he thinks you're a gentleman, and will say drink again,
When he sees what you got he can tell.
Come, friend, to the theatre, it's a very funny play,
I know we can both enjoy a good laugh;
Find out what he is before with him you go,
It might be the snake in the grass.-Chorus.
You have heard of the trouble this country has had,
Don't you think it's an awful disgrace,
By losing such good men as Abe Lincoln and Fisk,
It is something that our country should trace.
I will speak of another, James A. Garfield we loved,
But our nation had to lose him at last;
Bear it in mind, some days you will find
There's more than one snake in that grass.-Chorus.