I’m rather too old for it now
First Published | 1880 |
Writer/composer | Charles Coborn | Roud | RN23600 |
Music Hall Performers | Charles Coborn |
Folk performances | Collected from the singing of: Scott, Harry; England: Bedfordshire; 1950 – 69 |
Bless me, how the years roll away It seems but a day or two past Since I revelled in youth's happy day And fancied it always would last But old Time has been very busy with me And with wrinkles has furrowed my brow Tho' round me life's battle and strife I can see I am rather too old for it now. With a sigh my bright youth I recall But to natures decree I must bow I was once as nimble and gay as them all But I'm rather too old for it now. As a youngster I mostly was first At cricket and games such as that But now I should soon get the worst If I e'er tried to handle a bat My nerves were as strong as could be I would always delight in a row At dear Oxford we'd many a boisterous spree But I'm rather too old for it now. I was known as the gayest young spark At courtship I never was beat I have flirted with fair girls and dark And Oh, the rash vows I'd repeat The money I've squandered in dress When I shone as a dapper young beau Now I'm not so free with the cash I confess For I'm rather too old for it now. Of five noble sons I can boast And such girls as the world never saw I am grand-dad to quite a small host I count them almost by the score Their secrets to me they confide And each childish treasure will show And my heart warms with pride as they play at my side For I'm not quite too old for that now.
A song written, composed and sung by comedian Charles Coburn in 1880, who performed it dressed as a septuagenarian. As the following review shows, it would have been performed as one of a series of character songs:
The song seems to have remained popular well into the 1890s. In 1891 it was still being promoted as one of Chas. Sheard and Co’s very latest comic and other songs for smoking concerts and described as Charles Coburn’s favourite song.
It was collected by David Shaw from the singing of Harry Scott the 1950s.
Sources:
- VWML entry
- Kilgarrif Sing Us
- Advertised in Music Hall and Theatre Review – Saturday 24 October 1891
- Lyrics: monologues.co.uk
- Sheet Music: not accessed