“Barney O'Lean”

Description

The singer was to meet Barney at the gate by eight o'clock. She expects him to come to propose. But he has not appeared. She hopes he is not with another girl

Supplemental text

Barney O'Lean
  Complete text(s)

          *** A ***

From Mary O. Eddy, Ballads and Songs from Ohio, #152, pp. 317-318.
From Mrs. L. A. Lind, Canton, Ohio.

1. Oh, Barney O'Lean, say what do you mean,
      Don't you know I am waiting for you?
   'Tis long after eight, still down by the gate
      I am waiting, dear Barney, for you.
   I am longing to hear your kind voice once again,
      As you whisper to me sweet and low,
   And your footsteps I'm waiting down here in the lane
      For the clock as struck eight long ago.

Refrain:
   Oh, Barney O'Lean, say what do you mean,
      Don't you ever mean coming any more?
   It's long after eight, still down by the gate
      I'm waiting, dear Barney, for you.

2. You told me last night you had something to say,
      When you kissed me goodby at the door,
   And said you were coming to see me today,
      And to meet me the same as before.
   I know you will ask me to be your fond wife,
      And my answer of course you can guess,
   For, Barney, I love you far better than life,
      And I'll certainly say to you yes.

3. Oh, Barney O'Lean, say what do you mean,
      Don't you never mean coming at all?
   I hope you're not wandering with some other maid,
      Or gone to a party or a ball.
   It is lonely I'm waiting down here in the lane,
      And my heart grows sad in its fear;
   I'm wondering, dear Barney, of why you're so late,
      And longing your footsteps to hear.

Broadsides

• LOCSheet, sm1874 05564, "Barney A'Leen," J. L. Peters (New York), 1874; also sm1885 23890, "Barney A'Leen," Oliver Ditson (Boston), 1885 (tune)

References

1. Eddy 152, "Barney O'Lean" (1 text, 1 tune)
2. ST E152 (Full)
3. Roud #5347
4. BI, E152