The Old Maid
Embracing Life's Diverse Pathways in The Old Maid's Tale
Lyrics
A landsman, a pinsman, a tinker or a tailor
A plea to avoid dying unmarried, listing various occupations and social statuses.
Fiddler or a dancer, a ploughboy or a sailor
Emphasizing diversity in potential partners, including musicians, dancers, farmers, and sailors.
Gentleman, a poor man, a fool or a witty
Acknowledging different character types, expressing a desire not to die alone.
Don't let me die an old maid
Anxiety about remaining unmarried.
Just take me out of pity
Pleading for companionship out of pity.
I had a sister Sally, was younger than I am
Reflection on the lack of romantic interest compared to a sister who had many suitors.
She had so many sweethearts
-She had to deny them
-As for my own part, I never had any
-If you all knew my heart
-I'd be thankful for any
-A landsman, a pinsman, a tinker or a tailor
Reiteration of the plea not to die unmarried, seeking compassion.
Fiddler or a dancer, a ploughboy or a sailor
-Gentleman, a poor man, a fool or a witty
-Don't let me die an old maid
-Just take me out of pity
-I had a sister Susie, was ugly and misshapen
Description of an ugly sister who married and had children, contrasting with the narrator's single status.
Before she was sixteen years
-Old she was taken
-Before she was eighteen, a son and a daughter
-Here am I, six and forty and nairy an offer
-A landsman, a pinsman, a tinker or a tailor
Repetition of the plea for companionship, emphasizing the fear of becoming an old maid.
Fiddler or a dancer, a ploughboy or a sailor
-Gentleman, a poor man, a fool or a witty
-Don't let me die an old maid
-Just take me out of pity
-I never will be scoldin'
Expressing a commitment to avoid nagging or jealousy, anticipating a husband with money for leisure.
I never will be jealous
-My husband will have money to
-Go to the alehouse
-While here's there a-drinkin' I'll
-Be home a-savin'
-And I'll leave it to the world
-If I am worth havin'
-A landsman, a pinsman, a tinker or a tailor
Final plea not to die unmarried, reiterating the desire for pity and companionship.
Fiddler or a dancer, a ploughboy or a sailor
-Gentleman, a poor man, a fool or a witty
-Don't let me die an old maid
-Just take me out of pity
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