Daddy Wouldn’t Buy Me a Bow-Wow

A favorite British music hall song from 1892.
Words and music by Joseph Tabrar.


The sheet music:


Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:


Lyrics

  1. I love my little cat, I do
    With soft black silky hair
    It comes each day with me to school
    And sits upon the chair
    When teacher says, “Why do you bring
    That little pet of yours?”
    I tell her that I bring my cat
    Along with me, because

Chorus:
Daddy wouldn’t buy me a bow-wow
Bow-wow
Daddy wouldn’t buy me a bow-wow
Bow-wow
I’ve got a little cat
And I’m very fond of that
But I’d rather have a bow-wow
Bow-wow

  1. We used to have two tiny dogs
    Such pretty little dears
    But Daddy sold ’em ‘cos they used
    To bite each other’s ears
    I cried all day, at eight each night
    Papa sent me to bed
    When Ma came home and wiped my eyes
    I cried again and said
  2. I’ll be so glad when I get old
    To do just as I “likes”
    I’ll keep a parrot, and at least
    A half a dozen tykes
    And when I’ve got a tiny pet
    I’ll kiss the little thing
    Then put it in its little cot
    And unto it I’ll sing

Sung here by Fred Feild: