Joseph Skipsey - Barbara Bell

A new song to an old tune.


AWAY to the pic-nic at Ryton, away
Went off in the sunrise our younkers pell-mell—
And many were bonny and many were gay,
But sweetest of any was Barbara Bell.

Chorus.—As sweet as a cherry was Barbara Bell,
Both tricksy and merry was Barbara Bell;
Tho' others that day were bonny and gay—
The Queen of the charmers was Barbara Bell.

Nan Harley was there, her locks in the sun
Did sparkle and burn, yet woful to tell,
No spoils by her long yellow tresses were won—
The lads only hankered for Barbara Bell.

Chorus:—As sweet as a cherry was Barbara Bell, etc.

Meg Wilson came up, her eyes black as jet—
And tho' at a fair oft ruled by their spell,
Meg fail'd even one rosy apple to get—
No pickings were there but for Barbara Bell.

Chorus:—As sweet as a cherry was Barbara Bell, etc.

Nell Dewey appeared, in her dimples adorned,
The rose of the roses was she on the Fell;
But somehow this rose to a daffodil turn'd
That moment she glided near Barbara Bell.

Chorus:—As sweet as a cherry was Barbara Bell, etc.

The lovely and young, they danced and they sung,
Till down came the night and darkened the dell;
When homeward they hied—a star for their guide—
And who was that star saving Barbara Bell.

Chorus.—As sweet as a cherry was Barbara Bell,
Both tricksy and merry was Barbara Bell,
Tho' others that day were bonny and gay
The Queen of the charmers was Barbara Bell.

Joseph Skipsey

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/barbara-bell/