Classic Poem

Why did you call me, Jeremiah Fairley —
Why did you call me as I went by?
Never had the blackbird sung more rarely,
Never had the sun shone brighter in the sky
Than when I heard you calling, crying on my name,
And into my young heart the strange trouble came.
Why did you answer me, Annabel Rose?
Goodness gracious only knows!
Annabel Rose, you're speaking true,
And that is just my answer too.

Why did you marry me, Jeremiah Fairley?
Why did you carry me home to your farm?
Bleak blows the wind and the sun shines rarely,
And little care you now if I should come to harm.
Why did you marry me and give me your name
To bring me to trouble and sorrow and shame?
Why did you come with me, Annabel Rose?
Goodness gracious only knows!
Annabel Rose, you're speaking true,
And that is just my answer too.

Why must a young lass be such a featherhead
To trip to the beck and nod of any man?
Life's never been all lying on a feather bed
For any farm-wife since the world began.
Why should a lass, then, unless she is mad,
Give up her freedom to drudge for any lad?
What's the use of asking, Annabel Rose?
Goodness gracious only knows!
Annabel Rose, you're speaking true,
And that is just my answer too.