Robert William Service - Dance-Hall Girls lyrics

Where are the dames I used to know In Dawson in the days of yore? Alas, it's fifty years ago, And most, I guess, have "gone before." The swinging scythe is swift to mow Alike the gallant and the fair; And even I, with gouty toe, Am glad to fill a rocking chair. Ah me, I fear each gaysome girl Who in champagne I used to toast, or cozen in the waltz's whirl, In now alas, a wistful ghost. Oh where is Touch The bu*ton Nell? Or Minnie Dale or Rosa Lee, Or Lorna Doone or Daisy Bell? And where is Montreal Maree? Fair ladies of my lusty youth, I fear that you are dead and gone: Where's Gertie of the Diamond Tooth, And where the Mare of Oregon? What's come of Violet de Vere, Claw-fingered Kate and Gumboot Sue? They've crossed the Great Divide, I fear; Remembered now by just a few. A few who like myself can see Through half a century of haze A heap of goodness in their glee And kindness in their wanton ways. Alas, my sourdough days are dead, Yet let me toss a tankard down . . . Here's hoping that you wed and bred, And lives of circumspection led, Gay dance-hall girls o Dawson Town!