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.