Every morning I meet Rosa

First Published 1909
Writer/composer RP Weston, FJ Barnes and Maurice Scott Roud RN29706

Music Hall Performers Rosie Lloyd
Folk performances Collected from the singing of:
Bentall, Brenda; England; 1970		 

Sammy Simpson ev'ry morning used to ride
To the city in the tram and by his side
Sat a little lady who would blush so red...
Ev'ry time he smiled but not a word was said...
Rosa was the name upon her brooch, that's so
And Sammy sighed "This girlie I should like to know"

Ev'ry morning I meet Rosa,
Riding on the tramway car
Smile a loving smile which shows her
Just how things are.
Though I'd like to speak to Rosa,
Silent I must be.
For nobody who I know knows her,
To introduce her to me.

Riding home at even-time that lovelorn boy
Watch'd for her to board the tram and thrill'd with joy
When the car was crowded she forgot her pride
And would seem to nestle closer to his side
If she saw her standing then the spoony chap
Would offer her his seat and wish it was his lap

Sammy now quite happy says he's free from care,
Once she forgot her purse he paid for her fare;
"Take my card" she whispered in a grateful way
"Call and I'll repay you" so he call'd next-day
Popped the question quickly, "Now she's mine" says Sam
"We had a silent courtship in the dear old tram"

A song written by three different songwriters: RP Weston, FJ Barnes and Maurice Scott. It was performed by Rosie Lloyd in around 1909/10. Rosie (1879-1944) was the sister of Marie Lloyd, but was a well-known performer in her own right.

In 1970 a fragment of the chorus of this song was collected from the singing of Brenda Bentall by Roy Palmer, whose version can be found on the British Library Website

I have failed to find any recordings …

Sources: