Beadle's Dime Song Book No. 1 by Various

(5 User reviews)   485
Various Various
English
Hey, have you ever wondered what songs people were humming on the streets, in saloons, or around campfires in 1859? 'Beadle's Dime Song Book No. 1' is like a direct line to that moment. This isn't a single story; it's a collection of 100 popular songs that were sold for just a dime, making music accessible to everyone. It’s a time capsule of humor, heartbreak, and patriotism from just before the Civil War. Flip through it and you’ll hear the voices of everyday Americans—their jokes, their sorrows, and their hopes. It’s a surprisingly moving and fascinating glimpse into the soundtrack of a nation on the brink of massive change.
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Then wipe away thy tears, Mary, for thy Willie’ll roam no more. CHORUS. Thy Willie’ll roam no more, thy Willie’ll roam no more, Then wipe away thy tears, Mary, for thy Willie’ll roam no more. How often since I left you, love, in solitude and tears, Have I bless’d that love which clung to me through many changing years; And while I paced the silent deck, forgotten and alone, Has my heart recall’d thy love-lit smile, thy sweet and gentle tone. Thy image, love, has e’er been shrined within this fond heart’s core; But wipe away thy tears, Mary, for thy Willie’ll roam no more. _Chorus._--Thy Willie’ll roam no more, &c. Dear Mary, when in life’s sweet morn, in all thy youthful pride, I bore thee, virgin, bathed in tears, from thy fond mother’s side, And promised at the altar to love through life as now, Say, Mary, when life’s sorrows came, did I forget that vow? Your heart will own I left you, love, our fortunes to restore; Then wipe away thy tears, Mary, for thy Willie’ll roam no more. _Chorus._--Thy Willie’ll roam no more, &c. Kiss Me Quick and Go. 14 The other night while I was sparking Sweet Turlina Spray, The more we whisper’d our love talking, The more we had to say; The old folks and the little folks We thought were fast in bed,-- We heard a footstep on the stairs, And what d’ye think she said? CHORUS. “Oh! kiss me quick and go my honey, Kiss me quick and go! To cheat surprise and prying eyes, Why kiss me quick and go!” Soon after that I gave my love A moonlight promenade, At last we fetch’d up to the door Just where the old folks stay’d; The clock struck twelve, her heart struck two (too). And peeping over head We saw a night-cap raise the blind, And what d’ye think she said? Oh! kiss me quick and go my honey, &c. One Sunday night we sat together, Sighing side by side, Just like two wilted leaves of cabbage In the sunshine fried; My heart with love was nigh to split To ask her for to wed, Said I: “Shall I go for the priest,” And what d’ye think she said? Oh! kiss me quick and go my honey, &c. ANNIE LAURIE. 15 Maxwelton Braes are bonnie, Where early fa’s the dew, And it’s there that Annie Laurie Gie’d me her promise true; Gie’d me her promise true, Which ne’er forget will be; And for bonnie Annie Laurie I’d lay me doune and dee. Her brow is like the snaw-drift-- Her throat is like the swan, Her face it is the fairest That e’er the sun shone on-- That e’er the sun shone on-- And dark blue is her e’e; And for bonnie Annie Laurie I’d lay me doune and dee. Like dew on the gowan lying, Is the fa’ o’ her fairy feet, And like the winds in summer sighing, Her voice is low and sweet, Her voice is low and sweet, And she’s a’ the world to me; And for bonnie Annie Laurie I’d lay me doune and dee. Nelly was a Lady. 16 Down on de Mississippi floating, Long time I trabble on de way All night de cotton-wood a toting, Sing for my true lub all de day. CHORUS. Nelly was a lady, Last night she died; Toll de bell for lubly Nell, My dark Virginny bride. Now I’m unhappy and I’m weeping, Can’t tote de cotton-wood no more: Last night, while Nelly was a sleeping, Death came a knocking at...

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So, what exactly is this book? Published in 1859, it's a collection of 100 song lyrics—just the words, no sheet music—that were wildly popular at the time. For ten cents, anyone could buy this pocket-sized book and learn the songs everyone was singing. The topics are all over the map. You'll find comic tunes poking fun at fashion and city life, sentimental ballads about lost love and faraway homes, patriotic anthems, and even a few that hint at the brewing national conflict over slavery. It's a direct snapshot of the popular culture of its day.

Why You Should Read It

Reading these lyrics is a unique kind of history lesson. Textbooks tell you what happened, but this book lets you feel the mood. The humor in songs like 'The Gal with the Balmoral' is genuinely funny even today. The longing in ballads like 'The Old Granite State' gives you a real sense of the homesickness people felt in a rapidly expanding country. It shows that people back then weren't so different—they laughed at silly things, mourned lost love, and wrestled with big national issues, all through song.

Final Verdict

This is a perfect little find for history lovers, music buffs, or anyone who enjoys primary sources. It’s not a novel with a plot, so don't go in expecting a story. Go in expecting to be a fly on the wall in 1859. It’s a quick, engaging, and often charming read that adds a rich layer of humanity to our understanding of the past. If you've ever listened to today's pop charts and wondered what they say about us, this book provides a fascinating parallel from over 160 years ago.



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Sarah Clark
4 months ago

From an academic standpoint, the plot twists are genuinely surprising without feeling cheap or forced. I'm sending the link to all my friends.

Steven Harris
3 months ago

A fantastic discovery, the depth of research presented here is truly commendable. A valuable addition to my digital library.

Dorothy White
2 months ago

Out of sheer curiosity, the storytelling feels authentic and emotionally grounded. I would gladly recommend this to others.

William Williams
3 months ago

This was recommended to me by a colleague and the attention to historical detail adds a layer of realism that is rare. This turned out to be a great decision.

Melissa Martin
5 months ago

Based on the reviews, I decided to try it and the clarity of the writing makes this accessible to a wide audience. A true masterpiece of its kind.

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4 out of 5 (5 User reviews )

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