I.

When I began the world first, It was not as 'tis now; For all was plain and simple then, And friends were kind and true: Oh, the times, the weary, weary times! The times that I now see; I think the world 's all gone wrong, From what it used to be.

There were not then high capering heads, Prick'd up from ear to ear; And cloaks and caps were rarities, For gentle folks to wear: Oh, the times, the weary, weary times! &c.

There 's not an upstart mushroom now, But what sets up for taste; And not a lass in all the land, But must be lady-dress'd: Oh, the times, the weary, weary times! &c.

Our young men married then for love, So did our lasses too; And children loved their parents dear, As children ought to do: Oh, the times, the weary, weary times! &c.

For oh, the times are sadly changed-- A heavy change indeed! For truth and friendship are no more, And honesty is fled: Oh, the times, the weary, weary times! &c.

There 's nothing now prevails but pride, Among both high and low; And strife, and greed, and vanity, Is all that 's minded now: Oh, the times, the weary, weary times! &c.