Title: American Old Time Song Lyrics
Subject: Traditional & Folk Music
Author: www.traditionalmusic.co.uk
Keywords: Old time music, American, oldtimey, bluegrass

If I Were Only Pretty - song lyrics 
American Old-time song lyrics from www.traditionalmusic.co.uk 
IF I WERE ONLY PRETTY. Copyright, 1895, by The S. Brainard's Sons Co. Words by Harry C. Clyde. Music by H. C. Verner. 
A bonnie damsel in her garden, 'mid the flowers bright, Once saw a fairy rise before her dressed in purest white; "Be not afraid, my little dear," she heard the fairy say: "I'm only sent to give to you your fondest wish to-day." The lassie cried, "O, fairy-kind, such beauty to me bring That all the maidens of our set shall envy me, and sing: 
Refrain. If I were only pretty, if I were sweet like you; If I could steal your dimples and witching eyes Of blue; If I were only pretty, and men for smiles would tease, I'd make them all come pleading on their bended knees. 
The fairy touched her with her wand, and quicker than a wink, The little maiden blossomed out as pretty as a pick; Then all about the earth she roamed, and every place she went, At every nice young man who passed, a witching glance was sent; But soon she met a lad and lass, two lovers true were they; They seemed content, And stranger still, the lassie did not say:-Refrain. 
Our pretty maid looked at the lad, in love with him she fell, But, try her best, her winning smile could not upon him tell; This lass was not a beauty rare, but he was satisfied; Our pretty maid grew wild with love, and so, at last, she cried: "I'd rather be myself again-oh, take these empty charms' That win a world, but cannot woo one from another's arms."- Refrain.