Ach, I Dunno

I’m simply surrounded by lovers

Since Da’ made his fortune in land.

They’re comin’ in flocks like the plovers

To ax for me hand.

There’s clerks and policemen and teachers –

Some sandy, some black as a crow.

Ma says you get used to the creatures,

But ach, I dunno.

The fonder they grow

The more I don’t want them about me.

But ach, I dunno.

The convent is in a commotion

To think of me taking a spouse,

And wonder I hadn’t a notion

Of takin’ the vows.

’Tis a beautiful life and a quiet,

And keeps you from going below.

As a girl I thought I might try it,

But ach, I dunno.

The sisters they show,

An example we all ought to folla’,

But ach, I dunno.

I’ve none but myself to look after,

An’ marriage it fills me with fears.

I think I’d have less of the laughter

And more of the tears.

I’ll not be a slave like me mother,

With six of us all in a row.

Even one little baby’s a bother,

But ach, I dunno,

When it gives a wee crow

And holds little hands out to greet you,

But ach, I dunno.

There’s a boy that has taken me fancy,

They say he’s a bit of a limb.

Tho’ marriage is terrible chancy,

I’d chance it with him.

He’s coming tonight, oh I tingle

From the top of me head to me toe.

I’ll tell him I’d rather live single,

But ach, I dunno.

Still I think I’ll bestow

Me hand on that moidering spalpeen.

But ach, I dunno.