I’m simply surrounded by lovers
Since Da’ made his fortune in land.
They’re comin’ in flocks like the plovers
To ax for me hand.
There’s clerks and policemen and teachers –
Some sandy, some black as a crow.
Ma says you get used to the creatures,
But ach, I dunno.
The fonder they grow
The more I don’t want them about me.
But ach, I dunno.

The convent is in a commotion
To think of me taking a spouse,
And wonder I hadn’t a notion
Of takin’ the vows.
’Tis a beautiful life and a quiet,
And keeps you from going below.
As a girl I thought I might try it,
But ach, I dunno.
The sisters they show,
An example we all ought to folla’,
But ach, I dunno.

I’ve none but myself to look after,
An’ marriage it fills me with fears.
I think I’d have less of the laughter
And more of the tears.
I’ll not be a slave like me mother,
With six of us all in a row.
Even one little baby’s a bother,
But ach, I dunno,
When it gives a wee crow
And holds little hands out to greet you,
But ach, I dunno.

There’s a boy that has taken me fancy,
They say he’s a bit of a limb.
Tho’ marriage is terrible chancy,
I’d chance it with him.
He’s coming tonight, oh I tingle
From the top of me head to me toe.
I’ll tell him I’d rather live single,
But ach, I dunno.
Still I think I’ll bestow
Me hand on that moidering spalpeen.
But ach, I dunno.

Percy French (1854-1920)