The Family Man 1860

by James Pitt-Payne, London UK - 15Feb2025
2025

I've heard 'tis a folly
to fret and to sigh,
for days that are poor
and for pleasures gone by
but I feel melancholy
and cannot tell why
when the days of
my boyhood I scan.
I once was considered
a dashing young beau,
and quite an Adonis
from top to the toe,
but there it's a different
case you must know,
since I've been a family man.

I once was considered
a dashing young beau,
could waltz with Maria,
or Polka with Flo.
But now it's a different
case you must know,
since I've been
a family man.

I was always invited to Party or Ball,
and ne'er was in want of a partner at all,
an Ice I could offer or wrap on a shawl
with the grace of an elegant man.
My hand it was shaken by jolly Papas,
with smiles I was greeted by anxious Mammas.
But now with a nod, they allow me to pass,
Alas! I'm a Family Man.

I once was considered
a dashing young beau,
could waltz with Maria,
or Polka with Flo.
But now it's a different
case you must know,
since I've been
a family man.

I meet an old friend
and his kindness to show
will say "My dear fellow
today you must go,
and dine at the Club"
I'm obliged to say "no"
because I'm a family man.
I make an excuse at
that I'm "au fait"
and promise to meet him
on some other day,
his face seems to say,
as I saunter away
"I see you're a family man."

I once was considered
a dashing young beau,
could waltz with Maria,
or Polka with Flo.
But now it's a different
case you must know,
since I've been
a family man.

If I travel by rail,
I am asked to take care,
of five or six daughters,
whose parents declare,
they are sure to be safe
in my charge, it is fair,
because I'm a family man.
My journey concluded
I'm running around
in search of their parents
that cannot be found,
the questions they ask
it's enough to confound
anyone but a family man.

I once was considered
a dashing young beau,
could waltz with Maria,
or Polka with Flo.
But now it's a different
case you must know,
since I've been
a family man.

But I wouldn't change mine
for a bachelor's fate,
so happy am I with my conjugal mate,
with my Benedict's Home
and my double estate
so marry as soon as you can.
You'll find you'll have some one
your troubles to share
to lighten your burden
of sorrow and care
and spend all the money
that you have to spare
if once you're a family man.

I once was considered
a dashing young beau,
could waltz with Maria,
or Polka with Flo.
But now it's a different
case you must know,
since I've been
a family man.

Soft karaoke
Words
piano 1
piano 2
piano 3
piano 4
lyric
pizz str bass
*
The Family Man 1860
Lyrics & Music by Harry Clifton
arranged by M.Hobson
© 1860
*
sequence & karaoke by James Pitt-Payne, London UK
on Saturday 15 February 2025 at 13.47
in association with Torquil Syme
*
James Pitt-Payne