I'M THE GUY THAT PAID THE RENT FOR MRS. RIP VAN WINKLE
(Geo. Fairman,   1914)


To look at me no doubt you think I'm happy 
I'm really anything but that. 
I know you wonder why I wear this suit of clothes 
and my old last summer's hat. 
There was a time when I had a lot of money 
But that was many years ago. 
I met a Missus Rip Van Winkle. 
That's what became of all my dough

Some people say I look just like the ice man 
that brought the ice to Winkle's flat. 
And that the milkman was a friend of Missus Rip's 
and such foolish things as that. 
I'm very sorry that I ever met her 
And I suppose she thinks the same 
But I must surely give her credit, 
The way she played her little game.

I'm the guy that paid the rent for Missus Rip Van Winkle 
when Rip Van Winkle went away. 
He left her all alone, All alone, 
Like the villain in the play. 
I spent my money 
Just like a dead game sport. 
But I figure I must of been a Jay 
for I'm the guy that paid the rent for Missus Rip Van Winkle 
when Rip Van Winkle went away.