I Wish That I Never Was Wed

Intro: Verse Oh, ladies take pity on me Let me in your company mingle I once was merry and free And, like you, I was happy and single Me mother advised me to wed For seventeen years I had tarried So, off to the church I did go In a trice to a man to be married Oh, I wish that I never was wed Verse For a short time he loved me sincere He used me both kindly and civil The honeymoon scarcely was o'er When he turned out a queer devil The bed he took up on his back And off to the pawnshop he carried Oft times I wished I was dead Or better, I never was married Oh, I wish that I never was wed Verse To the landlord he won't pay the rent He says that he is not able There's nothin' now left in the house But two broken chairs and a table The bedclothes, the kettle and broom Off to the pawnshop he carried He grunts, he snores, he roars Oh, I wish that I never was married Oh, I wish that I never was wed Instrumental Verse Oh, when he buys the meat once a month That's if I'm not sadly mistaken There's nothin' but sheep's head and pluck And a bit of sweet liver and bacon He says bread and butter are dear And these times are shockingly harried All day he drinks whisky and beer Oh, I wish that I never was married Oh, I wish that I never was wed Verse One night he came home in a rage He busted me new shoes asunder The cat he kicked into the grate And the table flew out of the window The bellows he threw at me head Me clothes to the pawnshop he carried That night I wished I was dead Or better, I never was married Oh, I wish that I never was wed Instrumental Verse Oh, if I was but single again I'd sing and be joyous and merry I'd laugh, I'd shout, I'd roar I'd be heard in the Kingdom of Kerry So maidens single remain Bide your time, you'll never be harried If I was but single again By jingo, I'd never get married Oh, I wish that I never was wed