I'll tell you a story
about Johnny McClory:
that's how my story was begun.
I'll tell you another
about Johnny's brother,
and now you may think my story is done...
The first time I met Johnny
I could see he was bonny,
and when he looked at me how we did glow.
But just as we were gazing at each other,
Johnny's brother was down in Mexico.
I went to a party
with Johnny my hearty;
I never felt to happy and so gay.
But just as we were drinking to each other,
Johnny's brother was down in Santa Fe.
And down in the garden
my heart would not harden;
how well I can recall those tender scenes.
But just as we were kissing one another,
Johnny's brother was down in New Orleans.
I didn't want to tarry
my Johnny to marry,
and so I got myself a wedding gown.
But just as we were wedded to each other,
Johnny's brother came riding into town.
The years have been merry,
oh, very, very, very.
I love my Johnny well and he loves me.
But all the while we're lovin' up each other,
Johnny's brother holds the baby on his knee.
I've told you a story
about Johnny McClory:
that's how my story was begun.
I've told you another
about Johnny's brother,
and now my story is done.