“If Jack were only here.”
a beautiful ballad from 1896
words by Edward B. Marks
music by Jos. W. Stern
The sheet music:
Accompaniment:
Lyrics
- Two drummers sat at dinner
In a grand hotel one day
While dining they were chatting
In a jolly sort of way
And when a pretty waitress
Brought them a tray of food
They spoke to her familiarly
In manner rather rude
At first she did not notice them
Or make the least reply
But one remark was passed
That brought the tear drops to her eye
And facing her tormentor
With cheeks now burning red
She looked a perfect picture
As appealingly she said
Chorus
“My mother was a lady
Like yours you will allow
And you may have a sister
Who needs protection now
I’ve come to this great city
To find a brother dear
And you wouldn’t dare insult me, sir
If Jack were only here”
- It’s true one touch of nature
It makes the whole world kin
And every word she uttered
Seemed to touch their hearts within
They sat there stunned and silent
Until one cried in shame
“Forgive me, Miss! I meant no harm
Pray tell me what’s your name?”
She told him and he cried again
“I know your brother, too
Why we’ve been friends for many years
And he often speaks of you
He’ll be so glad to see you
And if you’ll only wed
I’ll take you to him as my wife
for I love you since you said”
Sung here by Fred Feild: