I Said, 'Good-Bye' - Jack Peasants

I SAID, 'GOOD-BYE'

I'm what folks call a hero, you can see it in my face
The neighbours in the village say that I'm a darling case
I've often risked my precious life whenever there's been strife
You'll never find me far behind in saving someone's life
Last week a fire broke out next door at number twenty three
'Who'll save the children?' someone cried, then all eyes fell on me.

Chorus: I said good-bye and started shaking hands
And the crowd cried, 'Farewell Jack.'
The ladies all embraced me ere I climbed the flames to fight
But in less than half a tick I was returning in full flight
With my little eyebrows singeing and my shirt-tail all alight
And everybody shouted, 'Welcome Back.'

You've heard of Cook and Shackelton, you've heard of Peary too
They've all beeen out to find the pole, well, that's what they've told you
I once thought I would try my luck to reach the goal of fame
So got my things together and went off to make my name
My bosom pals all followed me to where the steamer lay
And when they started singing hymns and shouting 'Hip-hooray.'

Chorus: I said good-bye and started shaking hands
And the crowd cried, 'Farewell Jack.'
The way the people cheered me was a lovely sight to see
It took them quite half a day to say 'Adieu' to me
When I turned round the ship had sailed and left me on the quay
And everybody shouted, 'Welcome Back.'

I once went to the races I'm a sport and full of fun
I just got in the paddock as the racing had begun
The favorite was standing there, but no one could they find
To act as jockey so, of course, I asked them if they'd mind
The owner gazed on me, then said, 'He looks a likely chap.'
And when they'd decorated me with Jersey and white cap.

Chorus: I said good-bye and started shaking hands
And the crowd cried, 'Farewell Jack.'
I mounted on a three year old, a horse called lively John
The race commenced but we got lost -
folks wondered where we'd gone
But we landed at the winning post a fortnight later on
And everybody shouted, 'Welcome Back.'

If I should die I know my name will live in history
The bravest deed I ever did was done down by the sea
A mother's son was drowning there, but stood with bated breath
'Who'll save my baby?' she implored with face as white as death
I said, 'Allow me madam, as they all seem timid here
I'm the famous little hero, so I'll gladly volunteer.'

Chorus: I said good-bye and started shaking hands
And the crowd cried, 'Farewell Jack.'
I took my hat and coat off and my garters and some more
I dived up to my ankles, someone cried, 'Bravo encore.'
And then a mussel flew at me, and chased me to the shore
And everybody shouted, 'Welcome Back.'

At Blackpool on the flying ground the crowd was thousands strong
All waiting there to see if Graham White would come along
His aeroplane was ready to convey him to the sky
But he was not at hand to show the people how to fly
Just then I was surrounded by a score or so of men
They placed me on the aeroplane, they pulled the switch and then,

Chorus: I said good-bye and started shaking hands
And the crowd cried, 'Farewell Jack.'
My fearful past came to me as I mounted higher and higher
Then a gust of wind put paid to my pretensions as a flier
For the next thing I remember I was on the old church spire
And everybody shouted, 'Welcome Back.'

When I was travelling out in Oonah Poonah, by the way
I was noted for the number of wild animals I'd slay
The tigers got to know me, and when I'd go out to scout
They'd give the lions the tic-tac, then the lot would soon clear out
The natives came and told me that a bear was on the prowl
I seized my little tom-my-hawk and with a fearful scowl,

Chorus: I said good-bye and started shaking hands
And the crowd cried, 'Farewell Jack.'
I plunged into the jumgle and the feeling was sublime
At last the bear strolled up, and then commenced the pantomime
I reached my little wooden hut inside of record time
And everybody shouted, 'Welcome Back.'

Performed by Jack Pleasants (1874-1924)

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