Lyrics from: Ode to an Old Fiddle Musical World of London (1834)
The poor fiddler's ode to his old fiddle
Torn Worn Oppressed I mourn Bad Sad Three-quarters mad Money gone Credit none Duns at door Half a score Wife in lain Twins again Others ailing Nurse a railing Billy hooping Betsy crouping Besides poor Joe With fester'd toe.
More and more plaintive grown, my eyes with tears o'erflow, And Resignation mild soon smooths my wrinkled brow My drooping spirit pants to rise; A lively strain I touch - and, lo! I seem to mount above the skies. There on Fancy's wing I soar..
Heedless of the duns at door; Oblivious all, I feel my woes no more But skip o'er the string, As my old Fiddle sings, "Cheerily oh! merrily go! Presto! good master, You very well know I'll find the Music, If you will find bow, From E, up in alto, to G, once more, down below, down below, once more..
More and more plaintive grown, my eyes with tears o'erflow, And Resignation mild soon smooths my wrinkled brow My drooping spirit pants to rise; A lively strain I touch - and, lo! I seem to mount above the skies. There on Fancy's wing I soar.. ..on Fancy's wing I soar..
My drooping spirit pants to rise.. I feel my woes no more But skip o'er the string.. I feel my woes no more.. ..above the skies.. A lively strain I touch - and, lo! Che-cheerily oh! merrily go! Che-cheerily oh! merrily go! Presto! But skip, but skip o'er the string.. But skip, but skip o'er the string..