(Lou Gottlieb)
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In seventeen forty-two, it was customary in the township of Halifax, for a gentleman to partake occasionally of ratafia which was--a light-flavored liquer of amazing potency--which originated in Middlesex and which we suppose is the reason for this song.
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[Chorus:]
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Oh, Miss Bailey! Unfortunate, Miss Bailey!
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A captain bold in Halifax, who dwelt in country quarters, seduced a maid who hung herself one Monday in her garters.
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His wicked conscience smitted him. He lost his stomach daily. He took to drinking ratafia and tho't upon Miss Bailey.
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[Chorus]
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One night betimes he went to bed for he had caught the fever. Said he, "I am a handsome man and I'm a gay deceiver."
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His candle just a twelve o'clock began to burn quite palely. A ghost stepped up to his bedside and said, "Behold, Miss Bailey!"
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[Chorus]
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"Avast, Miss Bailey," then he cried, "you can't affright me, really." "Dear Captain Smith," the ghost replied, "you used me ungenteelly.
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The coroner's quest goes hard with me because I've acted freely and Parson Biggs won't bury me tho' I'm a dead Miss Bailey."
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[Chorus]
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"Dear Ma'am," says he, "since you and I must once for all accounts close, I have a one pound note in my regimental small clothes.
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'Twill bribe the sexton for your grave." The ghost then answered gaily, "Bless you, wicked Captain Smith, remember poor Miss Bailey!"
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[Chorus]
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"All's well that ends well, I suppose."
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The Unfortunate Miss Bailey
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| The Kingston Trio |
