IS ANYBODY LOOKING FOR A WIDOW?
(Harry Gifford)


Florrie Forde - 1909
Yolande Noble - 1909



I'm not the merry widow for I'm feeling far from gay
Although I always wore a smile 'til poor John passed away
For ever since the happy day that I became a wife
I've always felt I couldn't have enough of married life

Not very long do I intend a widow to remain
For after all I don't see why I shouldn't wed again
My one desire is for a friend who'll kind and loving be
Someone to start where John left off and make a fuss of me

So is anybody looking for a widow, mine's a most deserving case
Poor John, now he's gone I want somebody to take his place
I'll make a loving little wife if you want to get off this term
And don't forget there's nothing like dealing with an old established firm

I've got a cosy little flat that won't cost you a cent
For John's insurance money is enough to pay the rent
There's also two nice suits of clothes, he'd always get up strong
The trousers I could shorten if you found they were too long

A widow too should be preferred to any simple miss
She knows the tricks of all the trade that brings connubial bliss
I don't mind if he's dark or fair, he need not ask me twice
For if he's anything like John, he must be very nice 

So is anybody looking for a widow, mine's a most deserving case
Poor John, now he's gone I want somebody to take his place
I'll make a loving little wife if you want to get off this term
And don't forget there's nothing like dealing with an old established firm

John couldn't see me want for cash, he wasn't quite that sort
And though he wasn't liberal, he never kept me short
He'd tell me just to help myself, although since we were wed
His trousers ev'ry night he'd hang up his side of the bed

Although I told poor John to wed again would be unkind
I think if someone pressed me, I perhaps may change my mind
The happy home is all complete, so pray don't be afraid
And in case he's fond of children, I've a family ready made

So is anybody looking for a widow, mine's a most deserving case
Poor John, now he's gone I want somebody to take his place
I'll make a loving little wife if you want to get off this term
And don't forget there's nothing like dealing with an old established firm



(Transcribed by Mel Priddle - November 2018)