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Many years ago both Jack and Joe,
Set sail across the foam;
Each vowed a fortune they would make,
Before returning home.
In one short year Jack gained his wealth,
And he set sail away;
And when the boys shook hands to part,
Poor Joe could only say:
Give my love to Nellie, Jack,
And kiss her once for me;
The dearest girl in all the world,
I know you'll say 'tis she.
Now treat her kindly, Jack, I pray,
And tell her that I'm well;
And when you meet, now don't forget,
To give my love to Nell.
'Twas on the street they chanced to meet,
Says Joe, "You selfish elf!
The next time that I love a girl,
I'll kiss her for myself.
Now all is fair in love and war,
And since you're truly wed;
I won't be angry with you, Jack,"
And once again he said:
Give my love to Nellie, Jack,
And kiss her once for me;
The dearest girl in all the world,
I know you'll say 'tis she.
Now treat her kindly, Jack, I pray,
And tell her that I'm well;
And when you meet, now don't forget,
To give my love to Nell.
Jack And Joe (sometimes titled Give My Love To Nell) came from the pen of William B. Gray in 1894. Numerous early-day recording artists seized upon this lyric, including Riley Puckett and Blind David Miller, among others. In many respects it typifies the Victorian sentimental lyrics that country folk, both singers and their audiences, took to heart and made traditional.
