Robert Schatz Poet Lyric

Notes About The Poem

This is a moderate tempo waltz

Note: One line in the poem depicts a gruesome event.

Josephine

When I was a younger man, the ladies fancied me.
I’d beguile them with my smile and winsome flattery. 
“Tell me do you love me true? Am I the only one?   
Do you swear to marry me? Take me as your beloved?”  

“Oh yes, you are the only one. I’ve only eyes for you
And if you’d lay your body down, I would marry you.”   
I preyed upon their innocence. I trifled with their dreams.   
But never did I fall in love, ‘till I met Josephine.

Josephine, Josephine
Prettiest girl that I’ve ever seen. 
Josephine, sweet Josephine
I dream of you at night.

An Irish girl, red ringlet curls, with sparkling emerald eyes
Oh to kiss her ruby lips and to win her bonny smile!
If a sultry bird came around to give herself to me
I'd turn her away that I might win sweet Josephine.

“Oh my darling, oh my dear
I’ll always love you best.
I would keep you sweet for aye.
Till Jesus gives you rest.”

Josephine oh Josephine
Prettiest girl that I’ve ever seen. 
Josephine, sweet Josephine
I pray you be my bride. 

I bought a ring for Josephine, to win her heart sublime.
Gold and silver filigree, set diamonds shining bright.
Then I went down on bended knee to ask her for her hand.
With impish smile she whispered I was not her only man.

Josephine, oh Josephine
Prettiest girl that I’ve ever seen.
Josephine, sweet Josephine
How could you break my heart?
        
Ten years I prayed and wished in vain I might see her again.
Another day I’d bear the shame, then die a lonely man.
But lo that evening Josephine, came knocking at my door.
Still a maid, her dalliances left her lone and poor.

“Oh my darling, oh my dear
I always loved you best.
I pray you keep me sweet for aye
‘Till Jesus gives me rest.”

She kissed me once and whispered, “Love, ‘till death will do us part.”  
I kissed her twice and shoved a knife into her cheatin’ heart.

Josephine, oh Josephine. 
Prettiest girl that I’d ever seen.
Josephine, sweet Josephine. 
I’ll never see you again.

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Beryl Edmonds February 21, 2024 at 11:08 AM Marvellous Robert, I sang this as I read, when I got to the end I cried for that redhead. A great lyrical write… Beryl Robert Schatz February 22, 2024 at 6:04 PM Thank you dear Belle.

Susan Ashley February 19, 2024 at 5:40 PM Dear Robert, your lost love verse is so very lyrical with a country music flavor to it. Beautifully expressed with a crime of passion twist! A dynamic and dramatic piece. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan Robert Schatz February 19, 2024 at 7:00 PM You're just the sweetest Susan.

Silent One February 19, 2024 at 2:55 PM Great lyrics..i can see it being sung with a guitar.. Robert Schatz February 19, 2024 at 4:57 PM Thank you Silent One.

Andrea Dietrich February 18, 2024 at 10:54 PM Well I had to read pretty far to get to the wicked part. I really like this. It feels like Irish mixed with country .music! Robert Schatz February 19, 2024 at 7:02 PM You heard it just how I meant it: a Hank Williams Irish ballad.

Ink Empress February 18, 2024 at 10:13 PM It surely sounds like a song, very lyrical and the rhythmic flow of your lines is gorgeous! A love song thats catchy and fun to listen to too! I can almost here a melody as i read this dear Robert! Very well delivered. Pleasure reading this Robert Schatz February 18, 2024 at 10:38 PM Thank you as always Ink Express...

Hilda Greenhough February 16, 2024 at 7:03 AM I could see this poem put to music. It is very rhythmic and has a sad but folk lore style that matches the lyric style. An excellent poem. Thumbs up. Robert Schatz February 16, 2024 at 7:59 AM Yes, it is put to music. I wrote it originally as a song and modified it for here. Thank you for checking it and for the thumbs up.