The Kingston Trio
The Kingston Trio
The Kingston Trio
The Kingston Trio
The Kingston Trio
The Kingston Trio
The Kingston Trio
The Kingston Trio
The Kingston Trio
The Kingston Trio
The Kingston Trio
The Kingston Trio
[Intro]
In 1742 it was customary in the township of Halifax
For a gentleman to partake occasionally of ratafia
Which was ... a light-flavored liqueur of amazing potency
Which originated in Middlesex
And which we suppose is the reason for this song
[Refrain]
Oh, Miss Bailey! Unfortunate Miss Bailey!
[Verse 1]
A captain bold in Halifax who dwelt in country quarters
Seduced a maid who hanged herself one Monday in her garters
His wicked conscience smited him; he lost his stomach daily
He took to drinking ratafia and thought upon Miss Bailey
[Refrain]
Oh, Miss Bailey! Unfortunate Miss Bailey!
[Verse 2]
One night betimes he went to bed for he had caught the fever Said he, "I am a handsome man, and I'm a gay deceiver"
His candle just at twelve o'clock began to burn quite palely
A ghost stepped up to his bedside and said, "Behold, Miss Bailey!"
[Refrain]
Oh, Miss Bailey! Unfortunate Miss Bailey!
[Verse 3]
"Avaunt, Miss Bailey!" then he cried, "you can't affright me, really" "Dear Captain Smith," the ghost replied, "you used me ungenteely
A coroner's quest goes hard on me because I've acted frailly
And Parson Biggs won't bury me though I'm a dead Miss Bailey"
[Refrain]
Oh, Miss Bailey! Unfortunate Miss Bailey!
[Verse 4]
"Dear Ma'am," says he, "since you and I must once for all accounts close
I have a one-pound note in my regimental smallclothes
'Twill bribe the sexton for your grave", the ghost then answered gaily
"Bless you, wicked Captain Smith, remember poor Miss Bailey!"
[Refrain]
Oh, Miss Bailey! Unfortunate Miss Bailey!
[Outro]
"All's well that ends well, I suppose"
The Unfortunate Miss Bailey was written by .
The Unfortunate Miss Bailey was produced by Voyle Gilmore.
The Kingston Trio released The Unfortunate Miss Bailey on Mon Oct 19 1959.