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

Jack, How I Envy You - song lyrics 
American Old-time song lyrics from www.traditionalmusic.co.uk 
JACK, HOW I ENVY YOU. Copyright, 1897, by Carleton, Cavanagh & Co. Words and Music by Harry von Tilzer. 
Two little lads, they had been friends Ever since childhood days, Until one day they met a fair maid. An angel with charming ways. Both fell In love, each tried to win This little maiden fair. But sad was the day when to Tom she did say Words that sent him away in despair. Time rolled along, Jack won her band, Thus does the story run. Until one fine day, in the middle of May, At the altar these two were made one, A short honeymoon, they returned soon, Jack met poor Tom one day. Come, brace up, lad, why look so sad, Then Tom unto Juck did say: 
Chorus. Jack, how I envy you; I envy you, Jack, yes I do; You have won her fair and square, I hope that she'll always be true; I wish you luck, old pal, Here is my hand on it, too; I am not mad 'cause she loved you, my lad, But I envy you, Jack, yes I do. 
Happy were they, Jack and his wife, Until one fatal day. Sickness came 'long, and though Jack was strong, It took his young life away. Wife at the grave, how she did rave, She knew not what to do, Then Tom comes along, and, In voice clear and strong, Says, Sweetheart, my own, I'll marry you, Years have rolled by since they were wed, They now have children four, Babe cries at night, mamma and papa fight, And papa has to sleep on the floor; Tom now looks back, thinks of poor Jack, Passing his grave each day. Stops with a sigh, tear-bedimmed eye, And these few words he will say: 
Chorus. Jack, how I envy you; I envy you, Jack, yea I do. You are past all trouble now, gladly I'd change place with you; How happy you must be, I once was happy, too, You're far away, I'll he with you some day, For I envy you, Jack, yes I do.