Cat. #0293 (MFH #319) - As sung by Mrs. Pearl Brewer, Pocahontas, Arkansas on November 12, 1958
VERSE 1
Two little lads, they had been friends
Ever since childhood days
Until one day, they met a fair maid
An angel with charming ways
VERSE 2
Both fell in love, each tried to win
This little maiden fair
Till sad was th day, th words she did say
They sent Tom away, in despair
VERSE 3
Years passed on, Jack won her hand
Just as th story goes
Until one day, in th middle of May
In th alter those two were made one
VERSE 4
Rush honeymoon, they returned soon,
Jack met poor Tom, one day
Brace up my lad, don't look so sad,
Then, Tom to Jack, did say
VERSE 5
Jack, how I envy you
I envy you Jack, yes I do
I know you won her fair an' square
I hope she'll be true to you
VERSE 6
I wish you much joy, ole boy
And here is my hand on it too
Jack, I'm not mad, for she loved you, my lad
Tho' I envy you Jack, yes I do
VERSE 7
They lived happy, both Jack and his wife
Until one fatal day
Sickness came on, poor Jack wasn't strong
And it called his dear life away
VERSE 8
His wife at th grave, O, how she did rave
For she knew not what to do
Till, Tom come along, with a voice clear and strong
Says, sweetheart I'll marry you
VERSE 9
Years passed on, after th wed
Children, they now have four
Baby cries at night, Papa and Mamma, they fight
And Papa sleeps on th floor
VERSE 10
Poor Tom'll look back and think of poor Jack
While passing his grave, each day
He would stop with a sigh, for th tears filled his eyes
And those are the words, he would say
VERSE 11
Jack, how I envy you
Why, I envy you Jack, yes I do
I know your troubles are o'er and passed
I'd gladly change places with you
VERSE 12
How happy you must be
I once't was happy too
Your far away, I'll be with you some day
Tho' I envy you Jack, yes I do