Same Old Game, The

Original? from Diprose's Railway Songbook

When I was quite a lad, and the darling of my dad,
I was troublesome as troublesome could be; 
If I saw a little boy with a fancy little toy, 
I was sure to make him turn it up to me; 
And if he said to me nay, I would upset all his play, 
A proceeding, which was sure to bring me blame; 
And tho' my cheeks were dripping with the scolding and the whipping, 
I would carry on the same old game.

The same old game, the same old game, 
I'd a spirit which the old one couldn't tame; 
For it mattered not to me how I suffered for the spree, 
I would carry on the same old game.

Now when I older grew, more of mischief still I knew, 
For danger with my doings would increase; 
Let the time be day or dark, I was in at every lark,
And my neighbours never knew a minutes peace;
Wrenching knockers, breaking lamps,pitching into rogues and tramps
While boxing with the bobbies one may fame,
And though each little job cost me nearly twenty bob,
I would carry on the same old game.

Soon in time I grew a man, but still mischief was my plan,
For I made the pretty darlings my delight;
Big or little, dark or fair, it would never matter where,
I was living them morning until night:
And to each and all I said, some fine morning we get wed,
Yet though at least a dozen made a claim
The judges in the court, fined me heavy for my sport,
Still I carry on the same old game

Now I have settled down in life, and have got a little wife,
Who is charming, yes, as charming as can be,
Yet I still regret to state that I often stop out late,
An won't give up my liquor and latch key;
But all that goes a miss, I settle with a kiss,
And thus my little tigress do I tame,
Although she can come it strong, and her nails are very long,
I carry on the same old game.

Later (?) American version
When I was quite a lad, And the darling of my dad, 
I was troublesome as troublesome could be; 
If I saw a little boy With a fancy little toy, 
I was sure to make him turn it up to me; 
And if he said to me nay I would upset all his play, 
A proceeding, which was sure to bring me blame; 
And tho' my cheeks were dripping, With the scolding and the whipping, 
I would carry on the same old game. 

The same old game, the same old game, 
I'd a spirit which the old one couldn't tame; 
For it mattered not to me how I suffered for the spree, 
I would carry on the same old game. 

As I grew up in life I was urged to take a wife, 
And was introduced to one of fashion's pearls; 
Not for Joe, I said, So I kept a level head, 
For I wasn't to be caught with paste and curls; 
She found it was no go, My wild oats I would sow, 
In sports and rackets that I need not name; 
So in spite of friends or foes, With fine horses and fine clothes, 
I carried on the same old game.

Now I'll tell you something new- I was feeling rather blue, 
So I went to Coney Island for a spree; 
As I stepped upon the pier, I spied a little dear, 
Who slyly threw a kiss across to me; 
Thinks I, by jove! a mash, I must look out for my cash, 
As I offered her my arm and asked her name; 
But she, blushing, hung her head; So to myself I said, 
Here's a chance to work the same old game.

To the Brighton then we went, Where my cash was quickly spent, 
On oysters, wine, cigars and lager bier; 
But judge of my surprise, When a rough with blood-shot eyes, 
Came up and roughly shook my pretty dear; 
Then turning round to me, You are rather fresh, says he, 
To rob me of the girl that bears my name; 
But I did quick reply, With finger to my eye, 
It's been played before, the same old game.

And this thro' life you'll find, There are games of every kind, 
And life is nothing but a game of skill, 
Where each one does his best, For his selfish interest, 
And leaves the beaten one to foot the bill; 
Whilst he who holds the cards, Is sure of his reward, 
No matter fair or foul, it's all the same; 
For it's beat, and rob, and cheat, On Fifth avenue or Wall street, 
Oh! everywhere, the same old game..