American Old Time Song Lyrics: 46 Clara Jenkins Tea

Theater, Music-Hall, Nostalgic, Irish & Historic Old Songs, Volume 46

CLARA JENKINS' TEA.
Copyright, 1881, by Wm. A. Pond & Co.
Words by Edward Harrigan. Music by Dave Braham.

Oh, now put on your Sunday clothes,
Get ready for de jubilee,
Dere's a mighty high time when de clock strikes nine,
Oh, do come along with me.
All Methodist and Baptist, too, oh, my!
Will sing about de old Red Sea;
De new church choir will sing a note higher,
At Clara Jenkins'' socialistic tea.
Ladies, try this citron cake, pass it 'round, for goodness sake;
Won't you try some lemon cream? oh, yes, now don't be mean; oh-

Chorus.
Now put on your Sunday clothes,
And get ready for de jubilee;
Dere's a mighty high time when de clock strikes nine,
At little Clara Jenkins' tea.

Dere's poor old Aunty Green, dear me,
Her age it is just ninety-four;
She's as lively as a kitten, keeps a gettin' up and getten',
You can't keep her off the floor.
Dere's something in de old brown jug, look dar,
Just yonder on de shelf, you see;
Don't let it go to waste, But give us all a taste,
At Clara Jenkins' socialistic tea.
Standing in the well so deep-yes, indeed, a hundred feet,
Will you be my loving queen? Go away, I'm just sixteen; oh- Chorus.

We'll go home wher de sun does shine
In de mornin', at de peep of day;
Isn't everybody sad, 'cause everybody's glad?
Good Lord, how we'd like to stay!
Now, colored gentlemen and ladies all,
Take a little kind advice from me,
Won't mention any name, but please to call again,
When Clara Jenkins gives another tea.
Forfeit, all de gemmen now; no, no, ladies, you'll allow,
Dar's dat gal in velveteen. How do, six? Now don't be mean; oh- Chorus.