The Town In The Valley

There’s a town in the valley, O, a hundred miles away,

It’s a pretty village, where I first saw light of day.

I knew its fields and woodlands, and the river’s mellow flow,

And dropped a tear when coming here, because I loved it so.

Since then I’ve lived in many towns and pretty spots were they,

But ever would my heart turn back to that one far away;

The old town of my boyhood, the friends I used to know,

The schoolhouse scene, the village green – because I loved it so.

I’ve sung its praises far and wide, in poem, tale and song’

I’ve given it the best of me, albeit weak or strong;

I’ve spread its glories everywhere that printer’s ink could go,

And sighed for it, and lied for it, because I love it so.

                             But –

That town down in the valley which I’ve ever held so dear

Has a streak of love fraternal which is more than passing queer;

And tho’ I should not mention it I cannot help but see

That town down in the valley doesn’t care a damn for me.

Nov. 27, 1899

(subtitled ‘A Christmas Carl’ in The Little Joker’)