Old Man's Darling (2/5/54) - Dinah Washington

I’m in such a tangle

Since a bloke began to dangle

All his tainted gold in front of mother’s eyes!

He said I’d be secure for life,

If I’d only be his wife!

Now I’m not goin' to marry

And old Tom, Dick, or Harry,

It’s me poor but honest state I idolise!

But mother says that I should wed

Old Mister Moneybags instead!

Although me heart is free

And money’s tempting me,

I’m crazy on me sweetheart Dave!

Shall I be an old man’s darling,

Or shall I be a young man’s slave?

The old man may be bent,

But he can pay the rent!

But can he buy the love I crave?

Shall I be an old man’s darling,

Or shall I be a young man’s slave?

David, David, dearest darling David,

Don’t let filthy lucre come between us!

David, David, make some money David,

If you don’t you’ll lose your little Venus!

Now shall I sell me soul,

Or shall I draw the dole

And go without me permanent wave?

Shall I be an old man’s darling,

Or shall I be a young man’s slave?

Mother keeps on nagging all day long;

Her tongue is waggin',

Says that love is just a lot of tommy rot!

«Better wed for wealth and ease,

Love develops housemaid’s knees!

You’ll slave just like a nigger

And you’ll lose your lovely figure

And the beautiful proportions that you’ve got!».

Well maybe I could do much worse

Than be a Rip Van Winkle’s nurse!

David, David, dearest darling David,

Save me from this wicked monster’s clutches!

David, D-d-d-david, Get a move on David

If you don’t I’ll slosh him with his crutches!

I wouldn’t care two pins

If only I was twins,

I wouldn’t have to misbehave!

'Cause one could be the old man’s darling,

But I should be the young man’s slave!

Hoo-hoo-hoo, yes I would and all!

I don’t like old me,

I much prefer young men,

Don’t you?