Jack and Joe (Give My Love to Nell)
[Titled, Give My Love to Nell, this was first recorded by Ernest Stoneman for Victor in 1925. Bradley Kincaid also made several recordings and I have his text somewhere. This was written by William Benson Gray in 1894.
R. Matteson 2014]
Jack and Joe (Give My Love to Nell)
Jack and Joe, two boys I know
Set sail to cross the foam
Each vowed a fortune he would win
Before returning home.
In just one year Jack gained his wealth
And he set sail away.
And when the boys shook hands to part
Poor Joe could only say:
REFRAIN: Give my love to Nellie, Jack
And kiss her once for me.
The fairest girl in all this world
I'm know you'll say 'tis she
Treat her kindly Jack, old boy
And tell her that I'm well
And when you've met, oh, don't forget
To give my love to Nell.
Three years had passed when Joe at last
Had gained wealth for life.
And he set sail across the foam
To make sweet Nell his wife.
On the way, he heard them say,
That Jack and Nell were wed
And deeply he regretted then
That he had ever ever said: REFRAIN
They chanced to meet upon the street
Says Joe, "You selfish elf,
The very next girl I learn to love
I'll kiss her for myself."
But all is fair in love and war,
And since you're finally wed
I'll not be angry with you Jack
And then again he said: REFRAIN