THE BREAD-KNIFE BALLAD
A little child was sitting upon her mother's knee
and down her cheeks the bitter tears did flow;
and as I sadly listened, I heard this tender plea,
'twas uttered in a voice so soft and low...
Please, Mother, don't stab Father with the bread-knife.
Remember 'twas a gift when you were wed.
But if you must stab Father with the bread-knife,
Please, Mother, use another for the bread.
"Not guilty!" said the Jury, and the Judge said, "Set her free,
but remember this must not occur again.
Next time, you must listen to your little daughter's plea."
Then all the Court did join in this refrain...
Please, Mother, don't stab Father with the bread-knife.
Remember 'twas a gift when you were wed.
But if you must stab Father with the bread-knife,
Please, Mother, use another for the bread.
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A little child was sitting upon her mother's knee
and down her cheeks the bitter tears did flow;
and as I sadly listened, I heard this tender plea,
'twas uttered in a voice so soft and low...
Please, Mother, don't stab Father with the bread-knife.
Remember 'twas a gift when you were wed.
But if you must stab Father with the bread-knife,
Please, Mother, use another for the bread.
"Not guilty!" said the Jury, and the Judge said, "Set her free,
but remember this must not occur again.
Next time, you must listen to your little daughter's plea."
Then all the Court did join in this refrain...
Please, Mother, don't stab Father with the bread-knife.
Remember 'twas a gift when you were wed.
But if you must stab Father with the bread-knife,
Please, Mother, use another for the bread.
-