Just like the ivy

AKA Just like the Ivy, I’ll cling to you
First Published 1902
Writer/composer A.J. Mills & Harry Castling Roud RN16228

Music Hall Performers Marie Kendall
Folk performances Collected from the singing of:
Cooper, Lena England : Kent : 1966
Baker, Arthur England : Hampshire : 1971
Green, Charles England : Yorkshire : 1971
Marsden, Stanley England : Yorkshire : 1972
Black, Freda England : Hampshire : 2012c
Cronin, Elizabeth Ireland : Co. Cork : nd
Modern performances
Robin Williamson		 

Grandad sat at evenfall
'Neath the dear old garden wall
Where the ivy was clinging all around
And a maiden young and fair
With blue eyes and golden hair
Was nestling there beside him on the ground
"Some day you'll be leaving me
For a sweetheart," the old man sighed
"Some day be forgetting me"
But with a smile the maid replied

Just watch the ivy on that old garden wall
Clinging so tightly, what e'er may befall
As you grow older I'll be constant and true
And just like the ivy, I'll cling to you.

"When the ivy, years ago,"
Said the maiden, "Began to grow
Then that wall supported it with pride
Now the old wall's in decay
And is crumbling fast away
The ivy clings more tightly to it's side
Loving you have ever been
You have cared for me day by day
Loving I shall ever be
And always by your side I'll stay"

A sentimental and much loved song from the early 20th century, still remembered by traditional singers and others. It was written and composed by A.J. Mills & Harry Castling, and in the Halls was most associated with the singing of Marie Kendall.

Marie Kendall (1873-1964) started singing in the halls when she was 12 years old, beginning her career as a male impersonator, and often appearing as principal boy in pantomime. By the age of 20 she had given up being a male impersonator and had a string of hits like I’m one of the girls, Just like the Ivy, Only a bird in a gilded cage and Two little girls in blue. She was still performing in the 1960s when she appeared in a television programme about Collins’s music hall.

Marie Kendall was filmed singing it in 1935:

Robin Williamson incorporates it into a particularly nice medley:

Sources: