A Selection of Original Songs, Scraps, Etc., by Ned Farmer (3rd ed.)/Old Fashioned Times
Old Fashioned Times.
In old fashioned times, when the old fashioned folk,
With their friends and relations around,
Would welcome old Christmas with dance, song, and joke,
And the fiddle's good old fashioned sound.
The old paneled parlour was put in request,
The holly and ivy were there;
And neighbour met neighbour, decked out in their best,
To partake of the old fashioned fare.
No cards were then printed, with formal invite,
Nor pink scented paper, with some
Expression of Mama's or Papa's delight;
They asked you, and meant you to come.
Then the old fashioned shake of the hand which they gave,
With the welcome that shone in their smile,
And the honest "how are you? I hope you are brave,"
For that was the old fashioned style!
While the old-fashioned country dance would enlist
The young to enjoy its delight,
The old folks sat down to a rubber at whist,
And so passed the old Christmas night.
The mistletoe bough to the ceiling was hung,
Old excuse for the innocent kiss,
Nor Prudery's self would pronounce it as wrong
On a joyous occasion like this.
Each house had its party, each party was gay;
Good Nature and Cheerfulness lent
Their aid to induce you to lengthen your stay,
And Regret only came when you went.
Those, those were the times, let them talk as they may,
When folks met to be happy and free!
'Tis a pity such customs should e'er pass away,
However old fashioned they be!