Street Corner, The

Play recording: Street Corner, The

I think I told you before, this is the last song I heard my father singing. And he explained to me, that it was about two country girls who went to the city – the big city. It didn’t say the city, but I had a feeling it was London. And they separated, they didn’t see each other for a long time. And one night, one of them was going home to see her people in Ireland, and she saw this pal of hers, Madge, standing on a street-corner, soliciting. And, eh, she walked up, she said, ‘Is that you, Madge?’ And Madge, her… school-friend, turned away. And she said, ‘Don’t turn away, I’m st- I’m your friend,’ she said. ‘When you go home now, tell them that you saw me, but don’t say any more – they’ll know. They’ll know the rest. Tell them I’m well. And tell my mother, if you get the chance, that I love her as I did long ago.’

While walking down the street one eve, I was on all pleasure bent
I was after business worries of the day
I met a girl who ran from me; but her I recognized –
A schoolmate in a village far away.
‘Is that you, Madge?’ I said to her; she quickly turned away
‘Don’t turn away, my dear,’ said I, ‘for I am still your friend
This day I’m going to see the old folks, and I thought
Perhaps a message you would like to send.’

‘I would like to see them all again, but not just yet, you know;
It’s pride alone that’s keeping me away.
Whisper, if you get the chance, to Mother dear, and say
That I still love her as I did long ago.’

‘Your cheeks are pale, your eyes look dim – come, tell me, are you ill?
It’s not just asking too much, now, I hope?
Come home with me when I go, Madge, the change might do you good
For Mother wonders where you are tonight.’
‘Tell them that you saw me, and they will know the rest
Tell them I am looking well, you know
Tell my loving brother and sisters three also
That I still love them as I did long ago.’

‘I would like to see them all again, but not just yet, you know;
It’s pride alone that’s keeping me away.
Oh, whisper, if you get the chance, to Mother dear, and say
That I still love her as I did long ago.’.