Tit-Willow

On a tree by a river a little tom-tit

Sang "Willow, tit willow, tit willow"

And I said to him, "Dicky-bird, why do you sit

Singing 'Willow, tit willow, tit willow'"

"Is it weakness of intellect, birdie?" I cried

"Or a rather tough worm in your little inside"

With a shake of his poor little head, he replied

"Oh, willow, tit willow, tit willow!"

 

He slapped at his chest, as he sat on that bough

Singing "Willow, tit willow, tit willow"

And a cold perspiration bespangled his brow

Oh, willow, tit willow, tit willow

He sobbed and he sighed and a gurgle he gave*

Then he plunged himself into the billowy wave

And an echo arose from the suicide's grave

"Oh, willow, tit willow, tit willow"

 

Now I feel just as sure as I'm sure that my name

Isn't Willow, tit willow, tit willow

That 'twas blighted affection that made him exclaim

"Oh, willow, tit willow, tit willow"

And if you remain callous and obdurate, I

Shall perish as he did, and you will know why

Though I probably shall not exclaim as I die

"Oh, willow, tit willow, tit willow"