John Riley's Always Dry

Alex Clark: On Autumn Harvest ah007: Old Songs & Bothy Ballads: Grand to Be a Working Man. Recorded at the Fife Traditional Singing Festival May 2008.

Alex Clarke has two verses slightly changed from the original song as written by Edward Harrigan and published by Wm A Pond & Co of New York (1881). Harrigan and Hart performed this song as part of their variety act, spoofing the "militia" units that New York politicians sponsored in the 1870's. Members gathered to drink free beer, after which they performed drunken drills in the streets. Harrigan and Hart performed the number while stumbling about in ill-fitting uniforms. The song was included in their musical comedy Mulligan's Silver Wedding involving the politically ambitious saloon owner Dan Mulligan. The verses are in 4/4 time while the chorus is in 3/4. Verses 3 and 4 are added from the Harrigan and Hart text.

1: I have a great companion, boys,
John Riley is his name,
In fair or stormy weather, boys,
John Riley's always the same;
His heart is like a mountain,
And his honour ye can't deny,
But with his elbow bending, boys,
John Riley's always dry.

Chorus:
Drinking ale by the pail,
Then he'd order Susanna to go out and buy,
Dublin Stout then he'd shout,
Drink whisky and never say die;
Whisky wine, gin and wine,
Then he'd bend for his bottle and then he would cry,
"Mary Ann, fill your can,
For the honourable John Riley is dry."

2: Now early every morning, boys,
When he gets out of bed,
There is no feather bolster, boys,
Lies under Riley's head;
But like the sun he rises,
So eager and yet so shy.
But he'll nip right out for his Mackeson Stout,
'Cos Riley's always dry.

Chorus:
Drinking ale by the pail,
Then he'd bend for his bottle and then he would cry:
"Mary Ann, fill your can,
For the honourable John Riley is dry."
So am I.

Additional verses:
3: His father often told him boys,
When John was but a youth,
That every mortal Riley, boys,
All died from whisky drouth;
Of course it is a failing,
The poor man can't deny,
'Tis but a freak of nature, boys,
John Riley's always dry.
& Chorus

4: What puzzles all the doctors, boys,
John Riley's ever met,
Is fresh or salty water, boys,
Can't make John Riley wet;
Sure he must have the liquor,
Rum, brandy, gin or rye,
And should he miss the bottle, boys.
John Riley would surely die.
& Chorus