See the sweet and genteel lady

So finely-boned and frail

See her every morning at the window with her knitting

Where she spends the hours sitting

While she waits for advertisements in the mail

See the genteel lady

Sipping lemonade with lime

Once she wanted princes out of tales that happily ended

Now the grocery-clerk befriended her cat

And she was grateful for his time

“You'll grow into a beauty,”

Her mother always said

“So take your time in choosing the boy whom you will wed,”

“Is this the right one mother?”

“Oh no, my daughter dear,

There will be someone better,

Wait another year.”

“Is this the right one mother,

The husband that I seek?”

“No he's hardly good enough my child,

Wait another week.”

Her father died one winter and was swiftly laid away

“Oh mother may I marry now?”

“No I need you stay,

I beg you darling daughter,

I cannot be alone,

If you love me you will stay,

If you love me stay with me at home.”

Damn you mother!

How I hate you!

You will never know how deep!

I must cling till you release me,

I could kill you in your sleep,

I would smile to watch your lifeblood creep across your wretched hair!

“Yes of course I love you mother,

I'll never leave you dear,

I swear…”

See the sweet and genteel lady,

She buys beribboned toys

And visits dull relations

To applaud piano pieces

Played by nephews and by nieces

She listens in on other people's joys

And looks longingly at all the passing young boys

Yes of course I love you mother

I'll never leave you dear

I swear