American Old Time Song Lyrics: 48 What Will You Say Sweet Kitty Shea

Theater, Music-Hall, Nostalgic, Irish & Historic Old Songs, Volume 48

What Will You Say, Sweet Kitty Shea?
Copyright, MDCCCXCV, by Henry J. Wehman.
Words and Music by Samuel H. Speck.

I now take my pen in hand, sweet Kitty Shea,
To write you a letter from over the sea;
I'm well and I hope this will find you the same-
If my writing is bad, then my pen is to blame.
I'm lonely, since I left the dear old green isle.
For somebody's bright face and somebody's smile;
And that is the reason I write to you now,
To ask you a question, if you will allow.

Chorus.
What will you say, sweet Kitty Shea,
If I should ask you to marry some day?
Will yeu say "Yes, dear," or will you say "Nay"-
Oh, what will you say, sweet Kitty Shea?

If what I am writing should not reach you, dear,
I hope that you always will think of me here,
And tell your old father and mother for me,
That I'll take care of them if my wife you'll be;
Now my ink is red and so is the red rose,
And my love is there where the dear shamrock grows;
Now sugar is sweet and the violets are blue,
And blue too I'll be till I hear, dear, from you.-Chorus.