Tit Willow

On a tree by a river a little tom-tit

Sang "Willow, titwillow, titwillow"

And I said to him, "Dicky-bird, why do you sit

Singing 'Willow, titwillow, titwillow'"

"Is it weakness of intellect, birdie?" I cried

"Or a rather tough worm in your little inside"

With a shake of his poor little head, he replied

"Oh, willow, titwillow, titwillow!"

He slapped at his chest, as he sat on that bough

Singing "Willow, titwillow, titwillow"

And a cold perspiration bespangled his brow

Oh, willow, titwillow, titwillow

He sobbed and he sighed, and a gurgle he gave

Then he plunged himself into the billowy wave

And an echo arose from the suicide's grave

"Oh, willow, titwillow, titwillow"

Now I feel just as sure as I'm sure that my name

Isn't Willow, titwillow, titwillow

That 'twas blighted affection that made him exclaim

"Oh, willow, titwillow, titwillow"

And if you remain callous and obdurate, I

Shall perish as he did, and you will know why

Though I probably shall not exclaim as I die

"Oh, willow, titwillow, titwillow"