JACK AND JOE
Sung by: Mrs. W.B. Apple
Recorded on 7/20/62

Click here to listen to the original recording

(Comment by Mrs. Apple: "This is called 'Jack and Joe,' and I'm pretty sure I learned this one from the Linebarger girls.")

Two years ago, when Jack and Joe
Went sailing o'er the foam,
Each one vowing a fortune to make
Before returning home.
In one short year, Jack gained his wealth;
He sailed for home that day,
And when they both shook hands to part,
Poor Joe could only say:

Chorus: "Give my love to Nellie, Jack,
And kiss her once for me.
The dearest girl in all the world,
I know you'll say 'tis she.
Treat her kindly, Jack, old boy,
And tell her I am well.
These parting words you can't forget,
To give my love to Nell."

In one more year, Joe gained his wealth;
He sailed for home that day.
He sailed for home across the foam
To make sweet Nell his wife,
But then he heard that Jack and Nell
Had one whole year been wed,
And so he cried and then he sighed
That he had ever said:

(Chorus)

They chanced to meet upon the street.
Joe says, "You selfish elf!
The next girl I learn to love,
I'll kiss her for myself,
But all is fair in love, they say,
And since you've gone and wed,
I'll not be angry with you, boy,"
But once again, he said:

(Chorus)

Also found in Randolph, Vol. IV, #813; Brown, Vol. II, #274.

All Songs Recorded by John Quincy Wolf, Jr., unless otherwise noted

The John Quincy Wolf Folklore Collection
Lyon College, Batesville, Arkansas
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