I handed it over to Riley

I HANDED IT OVER TO RILEY.
Copyright, 1892, by Frank Tousey.
Words by Albert Hall. Music by Felix McGlennon.

There never were two stauncher pals
Than I and my chum Johnny Riley;
We'd booze together or flirt with gals.
And we valued each other highly;
Whenever there was any booze to be got,
Or somebody paid for the keg or pot,
I would collar the measure and gulp the lot.
Then I handed it over to Riley.


For Riley and I were chums, and we always shared
Black eyes or sugar plums, the divil a hair we cared;
When there was anything nice about, take my word.
That when I had done, I handed it on to Riley.

One day while I was on a spree
Along with my chum Johnny Riley,
One of those men they call a "D"
Came in and surveyed us slyly.
Then he grabbed me gently by the ear.
And whispered, "Young man, I've a warrant here!"
Well, I took that warrant in the greatest fear.
Then I handed it over to Riley. 

One night I found a watch and chain
While out with my chum Johnny Riley,
And he for his share did soon complain,
And he did it so awfully wily.
But as by a lamp we chanced to pass,
I saw by the light of the flaring gas
That the watch was gold but the chain was brass.
So the chain went over to Riley. 

One sweet spring morn I took a wife,
My best, or course, was Riley;
I thought she'd be the joy of my life.
For she acted so very shyly;
But I soon found that marriage was no great fun.
For she chased me round the house with a gun.
Till I said, "Dear madam, with you I've done,"
And I handed her over to Riley.